Rumor has it that BMW is talking to Great Wall, a Chinese automaker, to work together in developing the next MINI generation. This rumor comes from a source at Automotive Magaine- Georg Kacher. The biggest thing we could see from this joint partnership is an increase in production scale, which ultimately allows for higher quality components. It also allows for innovation for a more cost effective MINI.
Quote:
|
Great Wall’s new luxury division looks to be the benefactor of this collaboration as it better aligns with quality of product that MINI and BMW are known for. But given what it being discussed, the collaboration will likely be invisible to the end consumer. Further it’s likely that the tie-up wouldn’t impact production of MINIs in the UK or Europe but would instead offer BMW a chance to defray the enormous engineering and design costs in creating a overarching platform for MINIs and front wheel drive BMWs – likely totaling close to 1 million units. This cost is especially hard to swallow as BMW has vowed to remain fluid when it comes to drivetrain choices for these cars. That would means a chassis capable of easily offering petrol, diesel, hybrid and full electric drivetrains.
|
Source
here
11-15-2017, 12:41 PM
