Mercedes to Share MINI Platform?

[Paul]

According to AutoBild (picked up by Reuters) and MINI2:
Mercedes to Share MINI Platform?

BMW may be considering platform sharing with Mercedes, Honda or PSA.

Seems a bit vague and 2+2 = 7 at the moment, but what would you think if the MINI platform was shared with another car, any other car, BMW or not?

Would it cheapen the brand, make it less unique?

Or is business business, and as long as there's no negative impact on the MINI chassis and handling, then there's absolutely no reason not to do this?

[AidenL]

Its the future for the auto industry in all fairness, so probably will happen.

BMW sharing with Mercedes again though, after Tritec? I'm sure they might try to avoid that combo, if at all possible? PSA might be more likely now, with the engine tie up?

[Paul]

Mercedes and BMW also work together in the development of Hybrid technology, however this report is from just over a week ago:

Mercedes: we don’t want to work with BMW

Maier, who was interviewed by Handelsblatt, acknowledged that the two had worked together in the past, commenting “we cooperate naturally with BMW in a few technical areas, like development of hybrid engines.” However, the consensus in the Mercedes boardroom is that there are no plans to work together beyond the current co-development of hybrid drivetrains.

[Hat]

platform sharing happens right across the industry - for example i can't see anyone being put off the fact that the new Fiat 500 is based on the Panda & will be shared with the Ford Ka. The engines are already shared anyway. Its all about badge engineering these days, nothing is truly unique.

Plus the benefit, hopefull, is economy of scale & cheaper cars - or at least more car for the same money

[minicabrio]

At the end of the day, if BMW develop a chassis, they may as well earn a few bob by letting some other folks use it, especially premium brands.

I know BMWs talks with Volvo about a takeover have fallen through, so selling the platform would bring instant revenue, and also slash the cost of developing the next generation platforms.

All good from a business point of view... if the MINI becomes cheaper to develop, there may be less corners cut elsewhere, and we hopefully get a better product (not that it isn't already fantastic of course)

[lespurgeon]

Merc partnership I would think unlikely - Pugoet (sp?) more likelty I would think. BMW and Mercedes is a bit too much like Ford & GM I would think.

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