Volkswagen Ratchets Down Suzuki Rhetoric, Keeps Stock

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

The admonitions by Lower Saxony’s premier to wash dirty laundry in the privacy of your office appear to bear fruit – at least for the time being. Volkswagen has agreed to a cease-fire in the war of words with Suzuki.

“The discussion between both parties will be exclusively conducted internally. Volkswagen will not comment on any further speculations,” Volkswagen said in a statement regarding the domestic dispute with its reluctant bride Suzuki. Volkswagen also stressed “that it will keep its 19.9 percent stake in Suzuki Motor Corp. despite persistent calls from its smaller Japanese peer to dissolve their tie-up, indicating that a continuing dispute between the two firms is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon,” says The Nikkei [sub].

There are no indications when and how these talks will take place. All ears on Hamamatsu now. If Suzuki will stop making announcements also, then that could be an indication that a real deal is in the works. If not – not.

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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 2 comments
  • Mike978 Mike978 on Oct 18, 2011

    Unknown as you say whether Suzuki will keep quiet especially since they seem to be the ones who spoke most publicly. Not a surprise that VW is keeping the stake - a great bargaining chip and seemingly nothing Suzuki can do about it.

  • Nick Nick on Oct 18, 2011

    What the hell kind of picture is that? Enough with the creepiness please Bertel.

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