General Motors Corp. and its three Japanese affiliates have jointly launched a parts-buying team in Tokyo to help cut costs, GM said Tuesday.

The purchasing team will acquire parts for the Japanese operations of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., Suzuki Motor Corp. and Isuzu Motors Ltd., as well as GM's operations in China and Thailand, the U.S. automaker said.

The team will initially purchase 12 types of auto parts, including glass, generators and starters, and it may acquire more types in the future.

Engineers from the four companies will explore the feasibility of using common parts, GM said.

GM has 20 percent stakes in Suzuki and Fuji Heavy, and a 48.45 percent stake in Isuzu.