BMW buyout of Volvo rumors flying again

[Kirby]

It has been reported that BMW representatives have recently traveled to Gothenburg for financial talks with Volvo's management.The visit - first reported by local press - has once again fueled rumors that BMW is interested in buying the Swedish car maker from Ford, despite repeated denials that the company is for sale.
Ford wants to shed other elements of its global empire to aid its floundering US operation and has already confirmed that it's looking for buyers for Britain's Jaguar and Land Rover.
In fact, this weekend it emerged that any potential new owners for the Brtish companies must register their interest by July 13th.

 

[Big Daddy]

I thnk BMW should stick with BMW and Mini and leave the others alone.

 

[JPHuston]

I think BMW should stick with BMW and Mini and leave the others alone.

Don't forget Rolls-Royce.......

BMW announced today it has transferred all of it's shares in the Brazilian Engine company it set up with Chrysler back in 1997 to Daimler-Chrysler.

It makes sense as BMW entered into the venture before rival Daimler-Benz acquired Chrysler... but was committed to the supply of the engines for the MINI.

now that the all new MINI utilises UK built engines from BMW solely owned Hams Hall plant the partnership with Chrysler should end...

But the capital raised could be put into a fund for acquisition... but I agree not Volvo.

 

[Big Daddy]

Don't forget Rolls-Royce.......

Yes but that is just Rolls Royce PLC http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolls-Royce_plc the makers of Aircraft and Marine engines, Rolls Royce Motors was bought by VW http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolls-Royce_Motors who outbid BMW, though they did not get the trademark RR name, BMW did.

 

[Pete K]

It could be possible. Stranger things have happened...

It could actually work. I think a BMW and a Volvo could share a platform. It'd have to be RWD or AWD obviously. There are a lot of components they could share too. Volvo puts out a decent product. It wouldn't bother me to have a Volvo starter or wiper motor or whatever in my BMW.

They could use the same platform with BMW building a sporting version of the car and Volvo a family version. The cost savings look real tempting to both companies.

Plus I think Volvo is doing OK financially.

It's a shame Ford has had to resort to this, though.

 

[deutsch100]

It could be possible. Stranger things have happened...

It could actually work. I think a BMW and a Volvo could share a platform. It'd have to be RWD or AWD obviously. There are a lot of components they could share too. Volvo puts out a decent product. It wouldn't bother me to have a Volvo starter or wiper motor or whatever in my BMW.

They could use the same platform with BMW building a sporting version of the car and Volvo a family version. The cost savings look real tempting to both companies.

Plus I think Volvo is doing OK financially.

It's a shame Ford has had to resort to this, though.

I totally agree Pete. I think Volvo makes a very good car. They are reliable, very safe and as of late...quite good looking. I think both BMW and Volvo would benefit from each other.

 

[bmw046series]

Yes but that is just Rolls Royce PLC http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolls-Royce_plc the makers of Aircraft and Marine engines, Rolls Royce Motors was bought by VW http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolls-Royce_Motors who outbid BMW, though they did not get the trademark RR name, BMW did.

When VW announced the new Bentley, BMW announced the RR Phantom, then Mercedes announced they were bringing back the Maybach brand.

The Rolls won hands down, at the end of the day everyone realized the Bentley was a glorified Audi, it was obvious the Maybach was a prizy S-Class; but the Phantom was perfect in everyway and original. It is expensive and exclusive, for every 20 Continental GTs you'll get ONE RR. BMW pulls off other brands better then originals—they put RR back on the map, granted they can only build a few at a time. For over 100 years Rolls Royce said they built the best cars in the world, now it’s true.