Rumormill: BMW in talks to use iQ platform for future models, Toyota to get Mini in return?!
2009 Toyota iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery
Aston Martin may not be the only premium European automaker interested in Toyota's innovative iQ microcar. According to Inside Line and Autocar in the UK, BMW and Toyota are in talks to collaborate on future small cars based on the Mini and iQ platforms. BMW may possibly use the interior and diminutive platform from the Japanese automaker's next-gen iQ for its long-rumored Isetta revival, possibly with an electric powertrain.
In return, Toyota would gain access to the German automaker's Mini division – specifically the Coupe and Roadster that were recently shown in concept form ahead of their expected debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September – though its not currently clear what Toyota would do with them. Neither company has confirmed these reports, so we're currently taking this rumor with an appropriately large grain of salt.
Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ
[Sources: Inside Line, Autocar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
FitFan 11:59AM (8/31/2009)
That would be a seriously bad decision for BMW.
Maybe if they restricted Toyota's use of the Mini to the asian market and restricted their use of the iQ platform to the european market then it would work out ok. If either of those projects made it to the US market it would hurt BMW's brand.
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mike 2:16PM (8/31/2009)
Well... the iq "platform" is one thing and I could see bmw benefiting from it and producing a car with completely unique sheet metal and drive train.
But the mini ?
What could toyota do with it besides sell it as is or something?
I mean... a big part of its value is in its final package.
Its entire "platform" is already sourced from other places, isn't it?
I thought they were lined up to use the 500 platform from fiat for the next iteration, no?
And yeah.. I agree selling a mini with a toyota badge on it is not a win for bmw.
Kalle Andersson 1:12PM (8/31/2009)
Is this number of car manufacturers shrinking this fast that even BMW and Toyota have begun sharing technologies? Not much left of each individual brand soon it seems.
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mike 2:12PM (8/31/2009)
I'm glad they can bring prices down and save engineering time by sharing tech and whatnot... but it is starting to seem like we will shortly be able to choose from maybe 2 or 3 different cars available in paint schemes from a dozen different companies.
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Chris M 5:23PM (8/31/2009)
Good analysis. While the IQ chassis would be a great foundation for a modern "Isetta", it is hard to imagine what Toyota would do with the Mini chassis. Perhaps redesigned for a Scion model? Or maybe a Mini with the Hybrid Synergy Drive powerplant?
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jim 8:39AM (9/01/2009)
This is the type of partnership that is hatched by bean counters. BMW makes the decision to get into the micro car market and engineering and design go off, do there thing and report back. Everyone is horrified at the cost and the bean counters encourage top management to explore options. Off the engineers go again and they come back with a range of options to reduce cost. One seductively attractive one is borrowing a Toyota platform. The bean counters scream this is the way to go.
All this while the marketing guys have been sitting in the back watching, now they're up screaming about brand diminishment and how BMW's image is its most important strategic value. In the hopes of nipping this discussion in the bud, marketing leaks the news in the hopes that the unwashed masses who revere the brand will rise up in protest, convincing management that this is too great a risk.
For BMW to partner with Toyota is a dumb idea.
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