Back in June, Automotive News reported that BMW ans Saab were in talks regarding a BMW engine for new small car that the Swedish automaker wants to build. A report issued today by Bloomberg speculates, based on inside information, that the two companies have agreed on a deal that allows the Sweedish automaker to use engines made by BMW.
Initial deal involves BMW engines for the small Saab 9-3 model that is scheduled to be launched in 2012. The carmakers plan to announce the pact in Trollhaettan, Sweden, on Sept. 29, before the Paris Motor Show.
Previous reports also mentioned plans for BMW to supply a diesel engine for Saab’s 9-4x midsize crossover which will be built at the GM plant in Mexico. The car will launch in 2011. BMW’s Mini Countryman platform is rumored to be part of the deal for a smaller 9-2 model. The engine Saab will buy is a new 222 horsepower motor that BMW is developing and has yet to put in any of its cars, says Bloomberg.
BMW Chief Executive Officer Norbert Reithofer has been looking for opportunities to sell components to other manufacturers to boost revenue. BMW, the world’s largest luxury- car maker, agreed in March to supply more than 240,000 six- cylinder diesel engines, cooling systems, and transmissions to Carbon Motors Corp., which is developing a police car for U.S. law enforcement agencies.
Other smaller companies like Wiessmann, are also using BMW engines.
The tear-drop shaped 9-2 car, inspired by the legendary Saab 92 model that was produced from 1949 until 1956, is rumored to appear in 2014.
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