BMW is expected to release its new corporate strategy later this year, and when it does, it might include expanding to swallow up some more brands. What those brands might be has not been revealed, although reports indicate that the Bavarian automaker could be looking to take over Volvo cars from Ford's rapidly disintegrating Premium Auto Group, which has also recently shed Aston Martin and may be prepared to offload Jaguar and Land Rover, as well.
Munich has had varied success with expanding its family tree. It's had seven years to recuperate from the Rover Group fiasco, and would evidently be hoping for more success along the lines of its MINI and Rolls Royce ventures.
[Source: Börsen-Zeitung via Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GENERALMOTORSMAN4LIFE @ Jul 16th 2007 1:35PM
It would be a great day for Volvo if BMW buys them from Ford. This would take Volvo to a higher level once BMW infuses their engine and drivetrains into the Volvo lineup. I have always loved the style and design of the Volvo cars just didn't care too much for the engines and drivetrains. Volvo's were some of the most reliable cars before Ford purchased them but now -if this rumor is true BMW more than likely will convert Volvo back to it's rear wheel drive roots using one of their tried and true engine platforms ranging from the 7'series to the 3'series combined with the style/design would complete Volvo. I hope to see this happen soon.
Stéphane Dumas @ Jul 16th 2007 3:51PM
Be careful for what you wish for
The Peich family wants to made VW as the "GM of Europe", I could said then the Quandt family, the main stockholders of BMW wants to made BMW as the "GM of Bavaria", a interesting pipe-dream but.... maybe I'm pessimistic here. I won't be surprised to imagine then Carlos "Car tzar" Ghosn could be back with another offer to Ford to acquiring Volvo, there was a old rumor spotted at this French blog
http://www.leblogauto.com/2007/06/volvo-nouvelle-demande-en-mariage-de-renault.html
and an older topic at this French blog, some suspected then BMW might buy Volvo to eleminate an opponent in a more long-term
http://www.leblogauto.com/2007/05/bmw-serait-interesse-par-le-rachat-de-volvo-automobile.html
"I saw it as a scheme to get child support though, and quickly went back to bed with Mercedes."
That's a good one Jon, and a interesting "plan B" if Volvo didn't hold lots of profits for BMW as they originally planned.
Don Baron @ Jul 16th 2007 8:09PM
For your info - volvo are much more reliable these days, especially in their electronics, latches, windows, etc. etc.
Derek Kreindler @ Jul 16th 2007 1:53PM
This is a genius move on BMW's part. They'll have RR as their preimum brand, BMW as their sporty/upper level brand, MINI as the entry-level and Volvo can be their "family car' brand, while also sharing platforms with BMW to create dynamically superior Audi competitors while retaining Volvo's "safety" image.
Jon @ Jul 16th 2007 2:34PM
YES. The answer is that BMW does want more babies. I know, because BMW tried to seduce me into producing babies, late at night, in the bathhouse.
I saw it as a scheme to get child support though, and quickly went back to bed with Mercedes.
http://areallygoodname.com
-Jon Sandy
AMcA @ Jul 16th 2007 8:55PM
Yeah, that Dieter Zietche, he's a hot boi.
Tool @ Jul 16th 2007 2:40PM
It might make sense for BMW to acquire Volvo.
They are positioned completely differently so there would be very little sales overlap.
BMW could also help Volvo strengthen its branding, which has been diluted in Ford's (piss poor) care.
akatsuki @ Jul 16th 2007 4:08PM
I think the main advantage is that they could stop making BMWs so bloated, but since that won't really happen, I don't really see it making sense, especially since most of Volvo's lineup overlaps. They aren't going to suddenly discontinue the X-series, nor stop offering 4wd on BMWs, so there really is almost no point as far as I can see. It would make more sense for them to buy Mazda actually which makes sporty economical cars.
bmoredlj @ Jul 16th 2007 3:02PM
They should try to buy Lada!
Gerard @ Jul 16th 2007 5:54PM
Judging from BMW's poor ownership of Land Rover, I have no faith in the company's judgement.
Of course, I have none if Ford's either.
British_Rover @ Jul 16th 2007 7:41PM
True but Ford did better with Land Rover then BMW did. BMW just considered Land Rover the cheapest way to get a SUV on the market.
pr5 @ Jul 16th 2007 8:30PM
I don't see BMW buying Volvo. However, BMW still owns the Triumph and Riley brands. I could see them creating a new sports car brand wearing the Triumph name. It would be a brand similar to an affordable Porsche.
I could also see them reviving the Riley brand on a line for affordable FWD sedans based on the Mini, although this would be less likely than the revival of Triumph.
AMcA @ Jul 16th 2007 8:54PM
It'd sure make a lot of sense for BMW to buy back Land Rover. A whole boatload of sense.
DJ @ Jul 17th 2007 1:03PM
Ford to BMW - "Will sell you Volvo, but you have to take Jaguar and Land Rover with it."
I could see that happening. I know, BMW sold LR to Ford because it was losing so much money. But Ford has cleaned it up and while not a cash machine, it is holding it's own. For Jag, that would be an awesome fit beneath Rolls. Kill of the X-Type once and for all, move the XF upmarket (above the 5-Series, yet below the 7-Series), put the XJ and the 7 in place to fight the other Executive class saloons and slot Daimler just below RR. You would also gain Jag's aluminum expertise to spread across the line, maintain some development sharing between Volvo/Jag/LR and you would own something out of spite to piss off the guys in Stuttgart....the Daimler name.