Mercedes and BMW may share some components and autonomous tech, as well.
BMW and Daimler may follow Ford and Volkswagen’s footsteps and pursue sharing vehicle architectures and next generation technology. German Handelsblatt cited unnamed sources from both companies for this rumor. However, the report made it clear that neither company has yet to reveal any details about the plan. This is the second time rumors of this nature have been reported.
Although it is unlikely, the most intriguing possibility is that automakers might collaborate on a common platform to produce the BMW 1 Series, and Mercedes A-Class. Handelsblatt states that the models with the shared underpinnings won’t arrive until 2025, as new models of both cars are just arriving.
The report says that some insiders at BMW & Mercedes don’t like the idea of working together on a platform. It is difficult to let go of the years of intense competition between German automakers.
This partnership’s main goal would be to reduce the cost of developing autonomous driving systems. This partnership would, at least partially, involve sharing patents and developing tech together. According to reports, the companies hope their system will become an industry standard.
A second part of the money-saving strategy could be to share major components between BMW- and Mercedes-Benz cars. According to the Handelsblatt report, transmissions and batteries are the most important components that could be split between the two companies in the future.
These partnerships seem to be the best way forward for the industry. Ford and VW have announced plans to collaborate in the development of a mid-sized pickup truck, a one-ton van and a smaller van for cities. They also signed a memorandum to explore the possibility of collaborating on electric cars, autonomous tech and mobility services.