BMW Talks to Fiat about small cars

[Barakka]

In the press today BMW have started talks with Fiat about sharing technology/parts/platform for the next MINI from the Alfa MiTo or Fiat 500/Panda and in return BMW will help Alfa to launch into the US...

Reuters Article

This has been rumoured in the Italian press for a few weeks but now BMW have confirmed it.

[Mossy]

Interesting maybe some good hothatches coming up...

[kalniel]

and in return BMW will help Alfa to launch into the US...

Surely they just need to show them the last Top Gear episode?

[Sinizter]

Bloody hell. I want my brands clearly defined - not to become a bunch of mongrels.

Hopefully something good will come out of it.

[schmunk]

Cars with dull interiors and dodgy electricals?

[SHare]

Cars with dull interiors and dodgy electricals?

Congratulations! You are stuck in the 80's!

I was hoping for some rear wheel drive Alfa's but alas, they are just going to allow BMW to catch up with them on the small car market.

[digit]

Interesting, BMW I think must want to keep the mini as being a quirky car and have as a result talked to the perfect manufactorer of small quirky cars. I doubt you'll be seeing a BMW any time soon with dodgy alfa electricals though Perhaps we could see in the future a 1 series based on the MiTo?? I reckon if BMW wanted to be clever there take on a Fiat 500 mixed with affordability could be a big hit! A cheaper mini if you like..

[joshwa]

I'm confused... why do BMW need to talk to other manufacturers about small cars? Surely the MINI is THE most successful new small car currently made?

[kalniel]

Seriously I think BMW are obviously looking at ways to reduce their costs for small cars. The 1 series and Mini are fab, but really, really expensive.

[digit]

Its a premium that has to be paid to own a mini at the moment over say a Fiesta, BMW must want to make the car more affordable to more people... I don't actually rate the mini that much myself, learnt to drive in a 1.4d and it was awful

[Funkstar]

Nice one Digit, someone else that doesn't have rose tinted glasses as far as the BMW Mini is concerned

[digit]

Its overpriced, and a few friends of mine who own them and a friend who works for BMW (on a uni placement) have had to deal with a lot of recalls. BMW cover it up a treat! Plus while I'm slagging it off BMW missed the point of the original mini which was a small affordable car! People drool over it because its a 'mini', its a very sad state of affairs.

[Zak33]

i told you all....Fiat are ding stuff that makes them noticed.

BMW would want those floor plans, and why not? Ones I've driven are superb.

[SHare]

Exactly, by all accounts, the early reviews of the MiTo claim it will trounce the mini in the performance, fun and value for money stakes. Thats seems to be why BMW are eager to share all of a sudden. BMW will help Alfa break back into the US market as a trade off.

[Mossy]

Mito looks nice like a typical Alfa I suppose but affordable..

[DavidM]

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