BMW AND PSA PEUGEOT-CITROEN are reportedly considering moving beyond powertrain sharing and partnering up on entire platforms.
BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has let slip that the German automaker is in discussions with PSA regarding a platform sharing arrangement, however a concrete deal has not been locked in.
BMW currently uses a pair of PSA-sourced diesel and petrol 1.6 litre engines in its MINI line-up, but co-operation between the two companies may expand in the near future if preliminary negotiations go well.
Platforms aren’t the only thing on the table either. Major componentry and other mechanical hardware may also end up being exchanged, a strategy that would yield better economies of scale for both automakers and cut production costs.
There are no indications of what effect a new platform-sharing agreement would have on BMW’s model range, but the Isetta/Megacity minicar could potentially benefit from a PSA platform. PSA may receive the sports-tuned chassis technology fitted to the second-gen MINI range in exchange.
PSA Peugeot Citroen currently shares two platforms with Fiat, one with Toyota and one with Mitsubishi.
All of BMW’s platforms are unique to its models, but there are reportedly winds of change blowing through BMW corridors which may see it looking to capitalise on its chassis hardware.
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The petorl 1600 cc engine used in the MINI were co developed with psa lead by Bmw. And are made in the hams hall bmw plant. The disel was developed by psa and ford. The only reason Bmw uses that disel in the mini is because it sells in to few a number to justifie making one but Bmw has a 3 pot turbo disel ready to go the used in the vision concept car. Which will also be used in bmws but de-tuned. The fist BMW MINI only lasted 5 because they had the engine co developed with psa ready and did not like lining Diamler chrysler pockets for that engine. They did not think it would sell so well. Now Bmw are out of F1 i can see ferrari knocking on the door. not for technical help but for econamies of scale for the road cars. I would rather that then a turbo m5