Mercedes-Benz stops negotiations with BMW

Despite numerous attempts by German rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW to form a deal for swapping engines and vehicle platforms, latest reports coming out of Germany now claim talks between the two carmakers have come to an end. Mercedes-Benz has been looking for a partner to develop a new small car platform for its next-generation A and B-Class models, but now it appears it will go it alone.

The information comes from Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche, who told Auto Motor und Sport that Mercedes is no longer seeking a partnership with BMW and also confirmed that previous talks with Fiat had also ended without a result.
Read Article

w209w114 - 3/10/2008 12:14:06 PM

+4 Boost

BMW and Mercedes seem to have some sort of a love hate relationship. I think they are working on hybrid technology together, which if true means that BMW hybrids will soon adopt the lithium Ion tech launched by Daimler

TTRaceRR - 3/10/2008 12:32:36 PM

-5 Boost

Mercedes was likely seeking out another "merger of equals" victim to overtake and rape. Fortunately, BMW is run by wiser mangaement (as well as less greedy to make a quick buck at the expense of the company and its employees) than that of the former Chrysler Corp.

Threepoint1415926 - 3/10/2008 6:22:57 PM

+3 Boost

Dieter Zetsche is not Jurgen Schremp. And Norbert Reithofer is not Bob Eaton! Remember it was stupid people that made the mistake of a merger, not "evil companies."

MercBasher - 3/12/2008 12:53:23 AM

-1 Boost

The cancellation of talks is great news - I was worried that BMWs would become as unreliable and poorly made as Mercedes vehicles.

snatchandgrab - 3/12/2008 1:20:53 PM

+1 Boost

MercBasher....lol.
I own one of each and I hate to admit it but I have had more problems with my Mercedes than my Bimmer. I don't agree w/ it being poorly made though. I think my cars in love w/ another car at the shop. It seems to spend a lot of time there...lol