VW Considering Isuzu takeover

[Human]

The 'BORG" is at it again...

ISUZU STOCK SOARS ON WORD VW CONSIDERING TAKEOVER OF THE BRAND

By Mark Kleis Thursday, Apr 14th, 2011 @ 4:29 p.m.
Isuzu has in some ways become the forgotten stepchild of the auto industry, at least in the U.S. after its partnership with General Motors was eroded away over time as sales of its own vehicles dwindled to near-zero levels, eventually causing the brand to stop selling vehicles under its own branding in the U.S.

While Isuzu may have considered ending its partnership with General Motors back in late 2009 as a result of those woes, it is still an attractive outfit to some, namely Volkswagen, according to German magazine Manager Magazin. Now that word has gotten out that VW may try to snatch up Isuzu, the Japanese automakers’ stocks have surged 9.6 percent on the news, according to Automotive News, to the highest level in a month.

Although the details of a potential takeover are still sparse, VW board member Jochem Heizmann reportedly visited Isuzu production sites and discussed a possible tie-up with the largest marker of light trucks in Japan. When officially asked, VW spokespeople said they won’t be making a decision anytime soon on a possible stake, but wouldn’t go into any other details.

The German magazine that broke the news also suggested that MAN SE, a truckmaker that is 29.9 percent owned by VW, may be the entity to make the stake in Isuzu, giving VW indirect control.

Other current shareholders of Isuzu include Mitsubishi at 9.2 percent, the largest of any outside automaker, and Toyota with a 5.9 percent stake.

Source: LEFTLANEWS

 

[EnI]

 

[bmer]

They already bought a share in Suzuki, now they are aiming for Isuzu. I wonder what's next... Mitsubishi? Mazda? Perhaps even Honda???

 

[Gullwing]

why???

 

[MikeJ]

why???

Isuzu might have little or no presence in America and Europe, but they're still the largest manufacturer of light trucks in Japan. I suppose that's reason enough.