SAAB Automobile boss Victor Muller is reportedly in discussions with BMW about sharing hardware and technology for a new small car inspired by the teardrop-shaped 92 model of the 1950s, Swedish daily Dagens Industri reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources.
The report comes only days after Muller revealed that his company is actively interested in finding a partner for the development of the modern-day day 92, or in Saab’s current lingo, the 9-2.
According to the newspaper, a possible deal with the Bavarian company could see the future 92 sharing a platform, engines and gearboxes with BMW’s MINI models, a move that could prove beneficial for the German automaker also.
The Swedish daily added that Saab also expressed interest in the use of a BMW diesel engine for the its new 9-4X compact crossover that will hit showrooms in 2011.
Reuters reported that Spyker / Saab declined to comment on the matter while BMW said that it would not issue a statement on the specific report.
“We are in talks with several interested parties who have interest in our technology,” a BMW spokesman said. “There are no contracts with Saab at the moment.”
On Saab’s behalf, Eric Geers said: “We are concentrating on the 9-5 and the 9-4X. A smaller Saab below the 9-3 is not in our business plan though it would be on our wish list.”
Via: Dagens Industry & Reuters
Photo Gallery of Original Saab 92
