BMW and Daimler have already started cooperating on parts purchasing, according to a senior BMW executive quoted in the German press.
Head of development at BMW, Klaus Draeger, told Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport magazine that the company has already started talking to suppliers from who both companies source parts and sub-components, such as Xenon light switching units, heat exchangers and air conditioning motors.
A firm agreement has not yet been reached, but the companies are now looking in some detail at opportunities for joint purchasing. Earlier reports suggested that the two automakers expect to save €350m in the first year of their cooperation, and more in subsequent years. In particular, savings would come from reduced development costs and higher economies of scale.
By the end of this year there could be an agreement between Alfa-Romeo and MINI, as well.