Daimler – the parent company of Mercedes-Benz – has worked with BMW on several different initiatives, but company CEO Dieter Zetsche wants the two automakers to have a closer relationship. Daimler recently partnered with BMW to purchase vehicle components.
Zetsche said that “few areas” would be off limits for a Daimler-BMW partnership, but failed to mention which areas those would be. “It’s clear that we are two independent companies whose success in the market depends of the strength of our brands, so brand integrity is a cardinal imperative,” Zetsche told Automotive News. “This has to be considered at all times but it is not something that would prevent broad cooperation.”
Zetsche didn’t rule out Mercedes-Benz and BMW sharing platforms in the future, but said the Mercedes brand would retain its inherent luxury characteristics.
Daimler and BMW worked together to develop their latest hybrid systems, so it wouldn’t be too far out of the question for the German automakers to partner on future vehicle platforms. The move would likely save the automakers hundreds of millions of dollars and it would still be possible to tune each vehicle to meet its brand’s criteria.
05/08, 4:59 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Dieter Zetsche can stick it for the work he did with Chrysler – what a joke. His legacy here is one of shame and should be held responsible to some of what Chrysler has to go through now. Lee Iacocca he is not.
That being said – I still like the Crossfire, thanks for that.
05/08, 5:11 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Diamler and thier Abu Dhabi investors can piss off. The Mercedes-Benz of today is an unfocused company with far too much product, and poor fundamentals. They are not set up to deal with the realities of the Automotive industry in the context of the poor global economy. There’s gonna have to be alot of retooling, rethinking, and huge investment to put them back on track….and that’s exactly why they want to suck BMW’s teet. BMW is the superior company by a long shot.
05/08, 5:22 PM
posted by:
andy
didnt they work with GM on th hybrid system aswell?
and doesnt each company also own a percent of the other? or maybe thats someother euro companies im thinking of
05/08, 5:42 PM
posted by:
slider5634
Don’t fall for it BMW. This is how it starts and if you follow through I can tell you exactly how it ends. It’s called bankrupcy.
05/08, 6:34 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
BMW is gonna get a mustache ride, then turned out to the street, don’t ask Dr Z, ask Wolfgang Berhardt .
05/08, 8:51 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
“Strength is irrelevant. Resistance is futile. We wish to improve ourselves. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service ours.”
05/08, 10:18 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
BMW > Mercedes-Benz.
05/09, 12:05 PM
posted by:
gnftr21
BMW take this advice from Monty Python … RUN AWAY! KEEP RUNNING!!!!!!! I actually like johnnycanuck’s take on this. Daimler is just looking for another target to rape and burn. If BMW is smart (and I think they are) they will keep Daimler at arm’s length. Or better yet get a 100 foot restraining order.
05/09, 2:28 PM
posted by:
Borat
I guess I just add to everyone sentiment: based on Dr.Z. track record of cooperation BMW should announce themselves Jews and move headquarters to Israel for protection.
05/09, 2:48 PM
posted by:
status
haters.
05/09, 2:54 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Haters? When everyone is telling you the same thing…then its time you listen.
05/09, 11:44 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
LMAO…Borat, you’re right, that might be the only way, since Jews have a distaste for Mercedes-Benz already.
05/10, 7:24 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
^^^Hmmm…not sure about that, my Jewish Morgan Stanley Guy drives a C300. Last car was a Passat.
05/10, 10:06 PM
posted by:
Borat
I simply was referring to the fact, that BMW once was a subject of Benz alliance offers in 50’s avoided takeover courtesy of Quandt, who provided financial muscle. Having played that card, hiding somewhere where Benz can’t reach them is the only option left. Since Benz is part owned by Arabs, Israel was logical bet.
05/11, 7:48 PM
posted by:
HighestOfHigh
Mercedes-Benz shouldn’t lower themselves to work with BMW. Mercedes-Benz builds way better looking cars then the Bangled up BMWs.