Suzuki Motor Corp. says General Motors Corp. will sell its stake in the Japanese automaker for $230 million US to raise cash.

Suzuki says it would buy back the entire 3.02 per cent stake from GM.

GM, Ford and Chrysler are seeking $25 billion from the U.S. government to get them through the economic crisis and the worst sales slump in more than 25 years.

The GM-Suzuki partnership dates back to 1981.

But those ties have loosened recently after GM sold 17 per cent of Suzuki in 2006, leaving it with a three per cent stake.