GM plans more joint work with 2nd Japanese firm

General Motors Corporation said it will acquire a stake in a second Japanese automaker in an agreement to develop future supply and distribution arrangements which may involve both vehicles and components.

GM, which already holds a 34.2 percent stake in Isuzu Motors Ltd., Japan's seventh-largest automakers, said it had agreed to purchase 14 million shares--at does not provide for representation of Suzuki's board of directors or for any management participation by GM.