Fiat and BMW to cooperate over small car platforms

[Plex]

BMW has been linked with a number of carmakers in recent months over possible partnerships for the development of its future generation of small cars, and latest reports indicate it has finally found a new partner in the form of Fiat. According to supplier sources, BMW will team up with Fiat to develop a new small car platform for its third-generation Mini range and the next Fiat Grande Punto. The same design could also be used for a new Alfa Romeo model and possibly even the next BMW 1-series.

In addition to developing a new platform, both carmakers are also reportedly planning a new family of petrol and diesel engines. BMW has already co-developed a new family of engines, dubbed the EP Family, together with PSA Peugeot-Citroen Group, which recently debuted in the facelifted Citroen C4.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has also confirmed that an announcement about a cooperation agreement with another carmaker will be made tomorrow.

�Most likely it will be in the car business,� Marchionne told reporters from Automotive News Europe at the press launch of the 500 Abarth today. Fiat already has ties with PSA Peugeot-Citroen Group as well as Suzuki and Tata.

The latest news leaves doubt as to whether talks between BMW and Daimler over a deal to co-develop small car platforms and engines will lead to fruition. Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will develop its own platforms for its replacement for the A and B-Class, and the latest reports reaffirm that the chance of a tie-up between the two rivals is now unlikely.

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