TOKYO, Jul. 11, 2007 (AFX International Focus) — Japan’s largest automaker, Toyota Motor Corp (NYSE:TM) , and truck manufacturer Isuzu Motors Ltd plan to form a joint venture to make environment-friendly diesel engines, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported on Thursday.

The two companies will flesh out details and plan to announce the new partnership by the end of August, the daily said, without identifying its sources.

Toyota and Isuzu are likely to consider Poland and Hokkaido, in northern Japan, as the possible site for a new factory, the Yomiuri said.

Through the joint venture, the two are likely to develop and make 1.6-1.8 liter diesel engines that meet the Euro 5 emission regulation, aiming to manufacture 200,000 engines annually within a five-year period.

- Diesel sportscar débuts at Mid-Ohio
- Second half of season starts in the USA
- Double-header event with IndyCar Series

Team Audi Sport North America breaks new ground once again with the Audi R10 TDI only 14 days after the accident-packed race at Lime Rock: The Le Mans winning diesel sportscar has, as yet, not driven a single metre at Mid Ohio (US state of Ohio). Dindo Capello/Allan McNish and Emanuele Pirro/Marco Werner therefore face yet another big challenge on the weekend of 21 July during the seventh round of the American Le Mans Series.

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