Suzuki chief promises ‘truth’ in Volkswagen row

Suzuki Motor’s chairman said Wednesday he was willing to appear at the International Court of Arbitration to reveal the “truth” about the Japanese automaker’s bitter row with Volkswagen.

The comments from Osamu Suzuki come after it sought arbitration with the London-based court last week to end a messy marriage with the German firm, demanding it sell back its stake in Suzuki by November 2012.

The pair formed their ill-fated 1.7 billion euro ($2.26 billion) tie-up in 2009.

“I was the one who negotiated this deal, so of course I myself will get to the front and talk about the truth (at the court),” Suzuki told reporters at the Tokyo Motor Show on Wednesday.

Speaking at his firm’s booth just steps from the German auto giant’s concession, the outspoken Suzuki added: “There is only one truth, and I will testify on that.”

Asked whether he expects his company to emerge victorious in court, Suzuki said: “No sumo wrestler gets in the ring thinking he would lose.”