BMW and Fiat?! Say it ain't so!!!

atr_hugo · 07-14-2008, 07:42 AM

Ruh-ro - my experiences with Fiat in the past don't give me any warm fuzzies for this venture. ; -)

(Shamelessly stolen from Automotive News)

Fiat, BMW will team up on platforms, parts

Luca Ciferri
Automotive News
July 14, 2008 - 12:01 am ET

TURIN, Italy — Fiat and BMW plan to cooperate on platforms and components.

In a statement, the head of BMW brand development, Friedrich Eichiner, said the companies are examining "possibilities for the joint use of components and systems in Mini and Alfa Romeo vehicles."

The automakers have agreed not to divulge more details, a BMW statement said.

Supplier sources told Automotive News Europe that the companies will develop a small-car platform that will underpin the next Fiat Grande Punto, BMW's third-generation Mini and the next-generation Alfa Romeo MiTo.

The two automakers also are considering developing a new family of gasoline and diesel engines, industry sources told Automotive News Europe. Today, Mini does not offer a diesel in the United States.

A spokesman for BMW of North America said it is too early to determine what engines will come to the United States. "All we've said is that we signed a memorandum of understanding," the spokesman said.

The BMW statement said Eichiner and Alfredo Altavilla, Fiat's head of business development, have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on architectures and components.

BMW said cooperating with Fiat will help it achieve economies of scale and cost reductions as part of its Number One strategy. The company said the results of its discussions with Fiat will be known by year end.

Diana T. Kurylko contributed to this report

larryn · 07-14-2008, 08:30 AM

Mini & Fiats sharing parts? That doesn't necessarily seem like a bad deal to be, if done right. It could keep the cost down on both cars, which is a good thing.

Endre · 07-14-2008, 09:11 AM

Dont think this is such a bad idea! Anyways it will only be on fwd cars, something i will never buy no matter what.
Have too say tho that mini and some alfas are a bit fun tho.

Nixon · 07-14-2008, 11:54 AM

Fiat has some of the cleanest running, lowest emissions cars in Europe right now. I think BMW wants access to this technology.

Tijuana · 07-14-2008, 01:41 PM

Isn't the MINI engine a Peugeot development?

Edit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW/PSA_Prince_engine

BMW has already been working with partners on the MINI.

icedragon · 07-14-2008, 02:17 PM

So ... the MINI and Mito were designed by the same person ...
and now they'll have the same platform?

JB135i · 07-14-2008, 04:23 PM

Would the new car be called the...wait for it...

FINI !!!

Pun intended.

jrc · 07-14-2008, 05:52 PM

I'd buy one.

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/...th-CAR-review/

07-14-2008, 07:42 AM	#1
atr_hugo No longer moderate 333 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	BMW and Fiat?! Say it ain't so!!! Ruh-ro - my experiences with Fiat in the past don't give me any warm fuzzies for this venture. ; -) (Shamelessly stolen from Automotive News) Fiat, BMW will team up on platforms, parts Luca Ciferri Automotive News July 14, 2008 - 12:01 am ET TURIN, Italy — Fiat and BMW plan to cooperate on platforms and components. In a statement, the head of BMW brand development, Friedrich Eichiner, said the companies are examining "possibilities for the joint use of components and systems in Mini and Alfa Romeo vehicles." The automakers have agreed not to divulge more details, a BMW statement said. Supplier sources told Automotive News Europe that the companies will develop a small-car platform that will underpin the next Fiat Grande Punto, BMW's third-generation Mini and the next-generation Alfa Romeo MiTo. The two automakers also are considering developing a new family of gasoline and diesel engines, industry sources told Automotive News Europe. Today, Mini does not offer a diesel in the United States. A spokesman for BMW of North America said it is too early to determine what engines will come to the United States. "All we've said is that we signed a memorandum of understanding," the spokesman said. The BMW statement said Eichiner and Alfredo Altavilla, Fiat's head of business development, have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on architectures and components. BMW said cooperating with Fiat will help it achieve economies of scale and cost reductions as part of its Number One strategy. The company said the results of its discussions with Fiat will be known by year end. Diana T. Kurylko contributed to this report
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07-14-2008, 08:30 AM	#2
larryn Lieutenant General 2156 Rep 10,176 Posts Drives: '97 332ti, '21 X5 45e, '16 GT4 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (2)	Mini & Fiats sharing parts? That doesn't necessarily seem like a bad deal to be, if done right. It could keep the cost down on both cars, which is a good thing.
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07-14-2008, 09:11 AM	#3
Endre Lieutenant 17 Rep 420 Posts Drives: E36 M3 3.2 (321hp) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Molde iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E82 120d [10.00]	Dont think this is such a bad idea! Anyways it will only be on fwd cars, something i will never buy no matter what. Have too say tho that mini and some alfas are a bit fun tho. __________________ 120d, M-sport, H&R springs,Remus Exhaust, 135I kidneys, 18"BMW performance with Toyo T1R.(summer) 17" style 207 with Michelin Xice(winter), 17" M3 replica with Toyo R888 (Track), Hardwired H/K GPS 810. SOLD! Now driving E36 M3 3.2 (321Hp) Track and Autox
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07-14-2008, 11:54 AM	#4
Nixon Banned 58 Rep 1,396 Posts Drives: : Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: : iTrader: (0)	Fiat has some of the cleanest running, lowest emissions cars in Europe right now. I think BMW wants access to this technology.
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07-14-2008, 01:41 PM	#5
Tijuana Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 217 Posts Drives: 535xi Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	Isn't the MINI engine a Peugeot development? Edit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW/PSA_Prince_engine BMW has already been working with partners on the MINI.
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07-14-2008, 02:17 PM	#6
icedragon guardian of ice and snow 68 Rep 424 Posts Drives: 128i, 325i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0) Garage List 06 325xi [0.00]	So ... the MINI and Mito were designed by the same person ... and now they'll have the same platform?
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07-14-2008, 04:23 PM	#7
JB135i Lieutenant 17 Rep 478 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SW burbs iTrader: (0)	Would the new car be called the...wait for it... FINI !!! Pun intended.
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07-14-2008, 05:52 PM	#8
jrc Second Lieutenant 39 Rep 257 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	I'd buy one. http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/...th-CAR-review/
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