In one of the latest collaborations in the German auto industry, Mercedes-Benz and BMW are discussing a collaboration to take on the Audi powerhouse. The two luxury automakers are planning on putting their engineering minds together for one purpose: to unite against their fiercest competitors.
So far, the two companies are working together with General Motors on some hybrid vehicles. But BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer and MB’s Dieter Zetsche want to increase their collaboration’s scope to include several more projects.
One analyst, Georg Kacher, has some ideas about what the two companies will strive to achieve. He lays out five areas where the collaborative efforts would benefit the two companies the most.
1. BMW-MB Joint Products
BMW needs help for the Mini, and Mercedes has been looking for a partner for its A- and B-Class models. Together, they can increase their volume and share their ideas to create better products in these categories.
2. New Brands for Both Companies
Mercedes could use some ideas on its newest Smart forTwo model to make it more appealing to a larger audience. The two companies could work together on this as well as other models that combine the best from both worlds.
3. Better Engines
Sharing their respective ideas and technologies about new and improved engines would undoubtedly benefit both automakers. The market is increasingly looking for more eco-friendly engines that don’t sacrifice power. BMW and MB could have an impressive hold on this market if they work together.
4. Sharing Other Technologies
By streamlining ideas and technologies, both companies can save a great deal of money on development and research. For instance, both companies have the same solution for “greener” engines: the Bluetec (MB) and the AdBlu (BMW). They just call them by different names.
5. Sharing Modules
Modules include parts like the transmission, suspension, driver assistance system and many other elements of the vehicle. By sharing ideas and technologies concerning modules, the collaboration could create even more exciting gadgets for future models.
Of course, the main goal remains the same: to survive in a market where Audi, Volkswagen and Porsche are dominant forces to be reckoned with. But who knows? You might see some BMW influences on some of the newer models when you visit your local Mercedes-Benz dealer in the months to come. Check one out today and see what the automaker has been working on lately.
