MINI2

Paul · Jul 6th, 2007, 07:55 AM

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 · Jul 6th, 2007, 07:59 AM

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 · Jul 6th, 2007, 08:13 AM

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 · Jul 6th, 2007, 08:39 AM

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 · Jul 6th, 2007, 11:54 AM

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 · Jul 6th, 2007, 11:44 PM

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.

Jul 7th, 2007, 12:18 PM

qwerfwq

View Poll Results: Platform sharing would:
Cheapen the MINI brand, make it less unique.	5	45.45%
Make no difference to me, as long as it's still a great car.	6	54.55%
Voters: 11. You may not vote on this poll

Jul 6th, 2007, 07:55 AM	#1
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 04:30 AM Posts: 40,555 Offline	Mercedes to Share MINI Platform? 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?

Jul 6th, 2007, 07:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
AidenL Nice TTs......... Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: On The Coast........ Local Time: 04:30 AM Posts: 42,147 Offline	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? *Global Moderator*

Jul 6th, 2007, 08:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 04:30 AM Posts: 40,555 Offline	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.

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Jul 6th, 2007, 08:39 AM	#4 (permalink)
Hat cook pass babtridge My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2002 Local Time: 04:30 AM Posts: 15,800 Offline	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

Jul 6th, 2007, 11:54 AM	#5 (permalink)
minicabrio Back in a MINI Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hampshire Local Time: 04:30 AM Posts: 15,028 Offline	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)

Jul 6th, 2007, 11:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
lespurgeon Off changing a nappy... Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: HI, USA Local Time: 05:30 PM Posts: 1,050 Offline	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.

Jul 7th, 2007, 12:18 PM	#7 (permalink)
Cody7 Posts: n/a	qwerfwq

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