MINI AND PEUGEOT CITROEN TO SHARE PLATFORMS?

The next generation Mini could share a platform with the Peugeot and Citroen small car line-ups if cost-cutting talks between BMW and its French rival bear fruit.

BMW chief exec Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that discussions are ongoing between the two companies, although no further details have been officially released.

However, according to insiders quoted in the Financial Times, BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen are in ‘preliminary talks about a future shared platform for the Mini model family, which the carmaker aims to expand’.

‘In addition,’ says the FT, ‘the two car makers are looking at ways to share modules that can be used in different segments for BMW’s main brand.’

The Mini already uses 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines that were developed jointly with the PSA group.

The outcome of these reported talks will doubtless be keenly watched by workers at BMW’s Oxford, Swindon and Cowley plants, and may also unnerve enthusiasts of the Mini brand fearful of any possible ‘watering down’ of the current model’s driving appeal.