GM, Suzuki to tie up on fuel-cell vehicles

General Motors Corp. and Suzuki Motor Corp. announced Wednesday that the two automakers have agreed to collaborate on the development of fuel-cell vehicles.

The two firms said the new agreement, which is consistent with their strategic alliance since 1981, will focus on developing applications for fuel cell technology in small cars.

"I believe our role will be to introduce compact fuel-cell cars by utilizing GM's advanced technologies," said Hiroshi Tsuda, Suzuki's executive director.Suzuki is the leading manufacturer of minivehicles with engine displacements under 660cc and is owned 20 percent by GM.

GM and Suzuki have cooperated on the development of other products, and Suzuki will send engineers to GM for the new fuel cell joint projects, Tsuda said.