BMW, Daimler Are Said to Mull Cooperation on Key Components
- German luxury-car makers might share technology to save costs
- Talks build off efforts to merge mobility services units
Mercedes-Benz C-Class automobiles and GLC sports utility vehicles are transported in cradles on the assembly line at the automaker's factory in Bremen, Germany.
Photographer: Krisztian Bocsi/BloombergDaimler AG and BMW AG are considering joining forces on making key automotive components, a move that would tie the traditional luxury-car rivals more closely than ever before and reflect the fundamental changes sweeping the industry.
The German manufacturers are exploring options such as sharing vehicle platforms, batteries and autonomous-car technology, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. Collaboration would be restricted to technology that’s not brand-specific, but deliberations are in their early stages and the timing of any decisions are unclear, the people said. Daimler and BMW declined to comment.