For the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz compact cars, Daimler AG has plans to use four-cylinder direct injection engines developed by BMW’s Mini brand built by PSA. The automaker has anticipated using the engines in the new B-class compact from 2011.
Collaboration would be restricted to engines rather than complete compact car platforms from Mini which signifies a future scenario for using a Fiat platform for Mercedes compact cars had dropped off sharply.
Although Fiat Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne said a deal that Daimler might reach with one manufacturer do not necessarily prohibit deals that it could make with others.
At an event in Turin, home to the Italian automaker, Sergio said,
The fact that it might have found an agreement with other suppliers does not mean that it is not interested in us. Mercedes needs a lot of engines, some of them from others and some of them from us.
Fiat had been in touch with Mercedes about a possible alliance, as it had had with other manufacturers. In detail on the report, a Mercedes spokesman declined to comment even though he repeated that the company was open for cooperation deals where they made sense.
Mercedes is basically strong enough to realize future projects by itself. The next-generation B-Class would replace both the current A-Class and B-Class. It was planned to appear as three- and five-door models, a sport utility vehicle, a coupe and a convertible. A final decision is due next month.
[Source: Automotive News]
