GM Diesel-Engine Venture to Spend $60 Million for Changes

General Motors Co. (GM) said its Duramax diesel-engine joint venture with Isuzu Motors Ltd. (ISUZY, 7202.TO) plans to spend $60 million for design changes to meet future emissions standards.

The U.S. auto maker has a 60% stake in the venture that produces diesel-engines for heavy-duty pickup trucks, while Japan-based Isuzu has the remaining 40% stake.

A number of auto makers have been investing in efforts to improve fuel-efficiency and reduce vehicle emissions to meet more stringent regulations. Environmental Protection Agency standards will force full-size trucks to get upward of 30 miles per gallon in 10 years, up from 20 today.

The GM-Isuzu venture, called Dmax Ltd., has spent $760 million on the Ohio plant since it opened in 2000 and has produced nearly 1.6 million engines during that period.

Dmax produces the Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engine used in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickup trucks and is available for the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans.

Write to Tess Stynes at [e-mail]

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