Production of 3.2 litre and 3.6 litre engine variants will be built at Suzuki’s Sagara engine plant in Shizuoka, Japan beginning 2006 and it is these engines that will be equipped in future Suzuki cars and trucks.

Suzuki Motor Corporations relationship with General Motors began in 1981 and since then has resulted in several successful global agreements in product development, manufacturing and distribution.

"The automotive industry is experiencing severe competition around the world," Chairman and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Osamu Suzuki, said.

"By partnering together to produce this new engine, we are able to capitalise on the synergies and savings of our relationship with GM."

The new global V-6 engine features all aluminium construction, 60 degree, dual overhead cam and 4-valve-per-cylinder design. The new engine incorporates the latest technology, including continuous variable valve timing.