BMW And Daimler In Talks To Co-Develop Electric Vehicle Platforms

BMW and Daimler are pondering working together on electric vehicle platforms in a move that could save each a lot of money.

News from German publications Sueddeutsche Zeitung and Auto Bild, as reported by Reuters, asserts that the two automakers are in talks about sharing engineering costs for compact and midsize cars. These vehicles will allegedly feature all-electric powertrains, but could also be designed to accommodate internal combustion engine powertrains.

Autobild claims that the move would save each manufacturer $7.91 billion over a period of seven years. These savings could be even higher if larger vehicles are included in the joint-platform project.

However, it is reported that talks are still in their early stages and it’s possible that plans could change.

BMW’s finance chief confirmed late last year that the company was open to a broader collaboration with Daimler, but thought it was difficult to identify opportunities in the area of shared vehicle platforms that would be beneficial for both companies.

Neither BMW and Daimler are commenting on the reports, but they have already confirmed their partnership discussions nclude things such as autonomous vehicles.

Earlier this month, the two German companies said they are seeking to set an industry standard in the sector of self-driving vehicles so, in the coming months, they will form a number of committees and seek out potential suppliers of advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous technology.