Toyota has suggested that hybrid technology could be the answer to General Motors' (GM) struggling business in the US.

Toyota chairman Hiroshi Okuda has said the company would be interested in supplying its own hybrid technology to help its rival regain competitiveness, Reuters reports.

GM is already in partnership with DaimlerChrysler to develop a hybrid system by 2007 for use in pickup trucks and other large vehicles, but Toyota is also keen to lend a hand.

"I don't know how well (GM and DaimlerChrysler's hybrid alliance) is working out, but if there's a chance for Toyota to supply technology to GM it's something we'd be interested in," Mr Okuda said.

GM and Toyota already collaborate on a green technology project - both recently renewed a contract to work together on research and development of alternative fuel vehicles until 2006.

Toyota's hybrid system has already proven successful with carmakers, with both Nissan and Ford signed up so far. The Toyota Prius hybrid model was mostly responsible for a tripling of US hybrid sales in April this year, compared with April 2004.