BMW and Fiat considering co-operation for MINI and Alfa Romeo cars

[Andrew 30]

Update: “Mini U.S. dealers would have the possibility to also sell Alfa Romeo cars,” a Fiat spokesman told Automotive News Europe today.

Fiat and BMW said today that they are exploring the possibilities of cooperating on platforms and components on future small-car models. Both automakers have agreed not to give out more information on the possible collaboration, BMW said.

“We are currently examining with Fiat group possibilities for the joint use of components and systems in Mini and Alfa Romeo vehicles in order to achieve economies of scale and thus cost reductions ,” said BMW brand development head Friedrich Eichiner.

Sources told Automotive News Europe that the companies will collaborate on a joint platform that will be the basis for the next Fiat Grand Punto, BMW’s 3rd-generation MINI and Alfa Romeo’s next-generation Mi.To. Another industry source said that the two companies are also considering teaming up on a family of gasoline and diesel engines. Funny - since we thought MINI would go head-to-head with Alfa Romeo’s Mi.To.

“The proposed co-operation with BMW is a significant cornerstone of our strategy of alliances. We are delighted to work with such an esteemed and respected partner in the automotive industry with the clear objective of improving the competitive position of both parties,” Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Group and FGA, said in Turin.

Read the press release below for more info.

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BMW Group and Fiat Group Automobiles sign Memorandum of Understanding

Munich/Turin. The BMW Group and Fiat Group Automobiles (FGA) are considering the possibility of co-operation in the areas of architectures and components for their MINI and Alfa Romeo vehicles. A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect was signed by Friedrich Eichiner, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Corporate and Brand Development, and Alfredo Altavilla, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Fiat Group Automobiles and CEO of Fiat Powertrain Technologies.

“We are currently examining with the Fiat Group possibilities for the joint use of components and systems in MINI and Alfa Romeo vehicles in order to achieve economies of scale and thus cost reductions within the framework of our Strategy Number ONE”, Eichiner said in Munich.

“The proposed co-operation with BMW is a significant cornerstone of our strategy of alliances. We are delighted to work with such an esteemed and respected partner in the automotive industry with the clear objective of improving the competitive position of both parties,” Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Group and FGA, said in Turin.

The two partners have agreed not to divulge details of the possible collaboration. The results of the cooperation discussions will probably be achieved by the end of the year.