Mercedes Collaborating with Their Arch-Enemy

Rumors are that the worlds biggest rivals are coming to getter, setting away their differences, and started talks on jointly investing in the development of a small car. It’s possible that Mercedes is looking for a partner to develop a new compact car to possibly replace the A-Class. BMW has created a run-away hit with the Mini and now the upcoming Clubman will certainly help them even more. So it might actually be understandable if Mercedes is coming to their “arch-enemy” and asking them for help, as Mercedes still has not figured out how to sell a small car to the masses and make a profit. If everything is true, then I am sure BMW will ask something in return, possibly some help in the Supercar segment that BMW still has not really entered in. Time will tell, but this will be an interesting partnership.
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w209w114 - 8/7/2007 2:28:18 PM

0 Boost

I cant imagine this happening.

Will there be 2 model variants in the end, on from
each company?

IF branded as a Mercedes-Benz will it be the first to use BMW parts?

Will it be a Mercedes designed by BMW?

Will Mercedes share its profit on that model with BMW?

One this is for sure, this unprecedented car will make automotive history. Im very curious to see how it will turn out if both companies decide to carry on with this experiment.

bfghemicuda - 7/23/2008 9:33:49 PM

+1 Boost

Be VERY Carefull BMW. Don't let Diamler do to you what they did to Chrysler.

JUGNU - 8/7/2007 3:18:20 PM

-1 Boost

And what it will be called

MB Mercedes BMW

OR

BM BMW Mercedes

JUGNU

Threepoint1415926 - 8/7/2007 4:29:46 PM

+4 Boost

BMW and Mercedes have always been more friendly rivals than arch enemies. If memory serves me right, they have collaborated on design direction of previous projects, perhaps never to the degree of producing together however. In this sense, I can see a collaboration of ideas and development in the small car market rather than necessarily producing one under both companies names. Remember, Mercedes did this with Porsche quite a bit in the early 90's

M53R - 8/7/2007 4:52:14 PM

+1 Boost

This should be very interesting. I never thought this could be even possible, but now it's close.