Saab would like to share more technology with BMW. And BMW may have found a new partner to share development costs on a new front-wheel drive (FWD) platform.
The Swedish automaker, which has already signed an engine deal with BMW, is in discussions with the German automaker to share a new front-wheel drive platform that BMW is developing.
BMW has previously announced that it will built a new front-wheel drive model, in different body styles, to compete against the likes of the Audi A1. For production of that model, it is developing a new front-drive platform which it will share with sister brand MINI. Now, Saab wants in on that platform too.
Saab would like to use the new platform to build its upcoming 9-2 minicar model. It had previously expressed interest in sharing a MINI platform but BMW's decision to go ahead with a new FWD model of its own may improve Saab's chances of sharing technology with the BMW Group.
Last month, Saab entered into an agreement with BMW to share it's turbocharged 1.6 liter four-cylinder gasoline/petrol engine with stop-start technology that BMW Group employs in the MINI brand. Saab will use the engine in the next-generation 9-3 model set for 2012.
