TIMELINE: Key dates in General Motors' history

(Reuters) - The following are key events in General Motor's history, including major deals and alliances by the No. 1 U.S. automaker.

1908 - GM founded in Flint, Michigan.

1919 - GM creates captive finance arm, GMAC.

1929 - GM buys 80 percent stake in European Adam Opel AG.

1937 - After a bitter strike, GM recognizes the United Auto Workers (UAW) as the bargaining representative for its hourly workers.

1971 - GM buys 34.2 percent of Isuzu Motors Ltd. GM raises stake to 49 percent in 1998 and later sells it.

1981 - GM buys about 5 percent of Suzuki Motor Corp. It raises the stake to 20 percent in 2000 and later sells all but 3 percent.

1981 - GM and Toyota Motor Corp form a joint venture, known as NUMMI, to build cars in Fremont, California.

1986 - GM acquires British sports car maker Lotus. It sold Lotus in 1993.