HAMAMATSU, Japan -

The ongoing public mud flinging between Suzuki and Volkswagen continues to heat up as the former revealed it has entered arbitration in an attempt to recoup shares. The automakers entered a collaberative deal in 2009 to improve cost efficiencies, but as of late, they have taken their dispute to the public stage as corporate cultures appear to clash.

Suzuki filed for arbitration against Volkswagen AG in London.

Suzuki said in a statement that it is trying to get VW to relinquish its shares in the Japanese automaker — which comprise a 19.9-percent stake — and give them back to the Suzuki or its designated third party.

The company contends VW never kept up its end of the bargain in terms of sharing core technologies, and is looking to recoup its shares.

Apparently, there has been a “lack of response to Suzuki’s requests” for VW to give up its shares, Suzuki noted.

The arbitration process — which is being handled by the ICC International Court of Arbitration — arises from a dispute between the two companies over the partnership they signed about two years ago.

Suzuki and VW entered a framework agreement in December 2009 basically to collaborate in exploring emerging markets and building more fuel-efficient vehicles in advanced markets. Under the deal, VW received its ownership stake in Suzuki

However, Suzuki ended its alliance with VW on Nov. 18 of this year, a little more than a month after serving VW a “notice of breach” regarding the framework agreement on Oct. 14.

“This capital alliance was intended to facilitate Suzuki’s access to VW’s core technologies. I remain disappointed that we have not received what we were promised,” chairman and chief executive officer Osamu Suzuki said back in October.

“If Volkswagen will not allow access it must return Suzuki’s shares. We are very encouraged by Suzuki’s consistently solid performance. We remain on track for profitability and are excited about the potential for future growth,” the CEO added.

In news reports last week, VW’s leadership stood its ground.

“We won’t sell our Suzuki stake,” one report, citing a German newspaper, quoted VW chairman Martin Winterkorn. “If the current management at Suzuki doesn’t want to work together with us, then maybe the next generation will.”

In another report, a VW spokesperson stressed the automaker will hold onto its shares and said, “We decisively reject all allegations.”