R50/53 VW to buy MINI from BMW?
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From: rigaud quebec canada
VW to buy MINI from BMW?
oh my god breaking news on NAM!!!!
http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/01/v...bmw/#more-4764
happy April 1st
mikie
http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/01/v...bmw/#more-4764
happy April 1st
mikie
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Deja Vu? 
This is from an article published waaay back in 2001...
"The possibility of Mini being transferred from BMW to VW in exchange for Bentley has been discussed at boardroom level between the two German manufacturers, prompting speculation of a deal that could see the two British marques swapped.
Such a move would result in VW having ownership of the world's two most famous small car brands in the Mini and the Beetle, while Bentley would be reunited with Rolls-Royce.
It could also be a prelude to a wider-ranging alliance between the two companies that European motor industry experts are predicting as a defence against a possible takeover of BMW by Ford.
BMW and VW both refused to comment on the suggestion that Mini and Bentley are to be swapped - but experts believe that such a brand swap would make commercial sense.
The main driving force behind the exchange of factories is understood to be former BMW chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder, now a member of the VW board and a favourite to succeed chairman Ferdinand Piech when he steps down in 2002.
Pischetsrieder, who spearheaded BMW's 800 million acquisition of Rover Group in 1994, was a first cousin once removed of the legendary Mini designer Sir Alec Issigonis and is well known for his admiration of British cars.
"This has been discussed at board level between VW and BMW in Germany, on the grounds that Mini would fit in with VW's line-up better than it does with BMW's and that Bentley would be a better bet for BMW ... and its sporting luxury image," said a reliable source.
Also, BMW must be looking somewhat askance at VW's experience with the new Beetle, which is not selling in anything like the numbers that were predicted, and wondering if they mightn't be in the same position with Mini. VW, with its tighter manufacturing costs, would probably be able to produce the Mini for significantly less.
It would be a cheaper option for BMW to resume production of Rolls-Royces alongside Bentley, while VW is always looking for opportunities to acquire other brands. BMW acquired the Mini brand when it took over Rover Group and later spent 40 million on acquiring rights to the Rolls-Royce name while VW took over Bentley."
Good stuff, but I know not where the original article came from...this was found in the archives of another MINI forum.
This is from an article published waaay back in 2001...
"The possibility of Mini being transferred from BMW to VW in exchange for Bentley has been discussed at boardroom level between the two German manufacturers, prompting speculation of a deal that could see the two British marques swapped.
Such a move would result in VW having ownership of the world's two most famous small car brands in the Mini and the Beetle, while Bentley would be reunited with Rolls-Royce.
It could also be a prelude to a wider-ranging alliance between the two companies that European motor industry experts are predicting as a defence against a possible takeover of BMW by Ford.
BMW and VW both refused to comment on the suggestion that Mini and Bentley are to be swapped - but experts believe that such a brand swap would make commercial sense.
The main driving force behind the exchange of factories is understood to be former BMW chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder, now a member of the VW board and a favourite to succeed chairman Ferdinand Piech when he steps down in 2002.
Pischetsrieder, who spearheaded BMW's 800 million acquisition of Rover Group in 1994, was a first cousin once removed of the legendary Mini designer Sir Alec Issigonis and is well known for his admiration of British cars.
"This has been discussed at board level between VW and BMW in Germany, on the grounds that Mini would fit in with VW's line-up better than it does with BMW's and that Bentley would be a better bet for BMW ... and its sporting luxury image," said a reliable source.
Also, BMW must be looking somewhat askance at VW's experience with the new Beetle, which is not selling in anything like the numbers that were predicted, and wondering if they mightn't be in the same position with Mini. VW, with its tighter manufacturing costs, would probably be able to produce the Mini for significantly less.
It would be a cheaper option for BMW to resume production of Rolls-Royces alongside Bentley, while VW is always looking for opportunities to acquire other brands. BMW acquired the Mini brand when it took over Rover Group and later spent 40 million on acquiring rights to the Rolls-Royce name while VW took over Bentley."
Good stuff, but I know not where the original article came from...this was found in the archives of another MINI forum.
Originally Posted by dickdavid
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