In 1993, GM had controlling interest in Isuzu and signed a deal to supply its Rodeo to become Honda’s first SUV, rebadged the Passport. The Isuzu Trooper was then rebadged to become the Acura SLX, and GM’s Japanese brand got the Honda Odyssey minivan to become the Isuzu Oasis.

Facing extreme competitive pressure from the rise of Chinese EV makers, the Nos. 2 and 3 Japanese automakers turn to each other to build strength.