Fiat and BMW will develop and build new cars, components and engines, the companies have announced.
BMW brand development head Friedrich Eichiner said: "We are currently examining with Fiat Group possibilities for the joint use of components and systems in Mini and Alfa Romeo vehicles.”
Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne had already indicated to reporters at the Abarth 500 launch that an ‘industrial alliance’ was imminent. In a recently released statement he added: “The proposed cooperation with BMW is a significant cornerstone of our strategy of alliances.”
Supplier sources have indicated that the companies will jointly develop a platform to underpin the next Fiat Grande Punto, BMW’s third-generation Mini and the next Alfa Romeo Mito. The move will help both companies cut production costs.
Fiat already has technical partnerships and alliances with international car-makers including PSA, Suzuki, Tata and Ford – and previously worked closely with GM. BMW collaborates with Peugeot-Citroen on engine production, but has traditionally spurned technical partnerships with rivals.
Further information about the new alliance is expected tomorrow.
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