Truck builder Isuzu Motors Ltd. is considering enhancing ties with bankrupt General Motors Corp. to increase the supply of truck parts in the South American market, Isuzu officials said Tuesday.

The development might emerge as the first Japanese support for GM since the U.S. carmaker filed for bankruptcy June 1.

Isuzu said it is in talks with GM to increase parts supplies for midsize trucks in GM-operated factories in Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.

The Japanese company is looking to expand business in South America while assisting the bankrupt titan, the officials said.

GM and Isuzu agreed in 2007 to boost cooperation in the commercial vehicle business in South America.

At the same time, Isuzu will partially stop supplying diesel engines to GM, which is expected to exit competition for midsize trucks in North America.