Suzuki stated in an announcement to the Tokyo stock exchange that it will ask VW to sell its 19.9% stake in the Japanese brand, which was acquired in 2009 for £1.4 billion. Suzuki will also sell its 1.5% stake in VW.

VW has taken issue with Suzuki signing a deal with Fiat to supply its 1.6-litre Multijet II diesel engine for the SX4 instead of using VW engines.

Suzuki has denied that the deal has broken its agreement with VW.

VW has said that it wants the partnership to continue and does not want to sell its shares in Suzuki.