SAAB Automobile boss Victor Muller is reportedly in discussions with BMW about sharing hardware and technology for a new small car inspired by the teardrop-shaped 92 model of the 1950s, Swedish daily Dagens Industri reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources.
The report comes only days after Muller revealed that his company is actively interested in finding a partner for the development of the modern-day day 92, or in Saab's current lingo, the 9-2.
According to the newspaper, a possible deal with the Bavarian company could see the future 92 sharing a platform, engines and gearboxes with BMW's MINI models, a move that could prove beneficial for the German automaker also.
The Swedish daily added that Saab also expressed interest in the use of a BMW diesel engine for the its new 9-4X compact crossover that will hit showrooms in 2011.
Reuters reported that Spyker / Saab declined to comment on the matter while BMW said that it would not issue a statement on the specific report.
"We are in talks with several interested parties who have interest in our technology," a BMW spokesman said. "There are no contracts with Saab at the moment."
On Saab's behalf, Eric Geers said: "We are concentrating on the 9-5 and the 9-4X. A smaller Saab below the 9-3 is not in our business plan though it would be on our wish list."
Via: Dagens Industry & Reuters
Photo Gallery of Original Saab 92
4 Comments:
a cool and modern version of the saab 92 could be a nice car!
I'm wondering if this is a success will BMW see to it that purchasing Spyker/Saab may not be a bad idea after all???
"I'm wondering if this is a success will BMW see to it that purchasing Spyker/Saab may not be a bad idea after all???"
There may be a possibility on BMW buying a stake in the Saab/Spyker company... The Bavarian manufacturer may share not only engines and platforms for the future 9-2... but also spread to the entire Saab's (and possibly Spyker) line-up...
However, there are some cons... One of them is Saab's 9-3 and 9-5 are worthy competitors to BMW's 3/5/7-series and it may outstrip BMW's sales... Unless BMW outstrip Saab (similar to what GM has done in the past)?
Nevertheless, until official news arrive... I wished and hoped that Saab will build the 9-2 with BMW (or other car manufacturers)...strictly the 9-2... Unless, they have other plans...
"I'm wondering if this is a success will BMW see to it that purchasing Spyker/Saab may not be a bad idea after all???"
There may be a possibility on BMW buying a stake in the Saab/Spyker company... The Bavarian manufacturer may share not only engines and platforms for the future 9-2... but also spread to the entire Saab's (and possibly Spyker) line-up...
However, there are some cons... One of them is Saab's 9-3 and 9-5 are worthy competitors to BMW's 3/5/7-series and it may outstrip BMW's sales... Unless BMW outstrip Saab (similar to what GM has done in the past)?
Nevertheless, until official news arrive... I wished and hoped that Saab will build the 9-2 with BMW (or other car manufacturers)...strictly the 9-2... Unless, they have other plans...
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