Analysts say: Possible mergers between European carmakers in 2009

  • Posted on: 23.12.2008
  • Author: Horatiu B.
  • Comments: 3

Well, this is not something new. We have known for a while that BMW along with the other major european automakers companies have suffered severe financial losses along with a major decrease in sales. But what’s interesting in the article written by Detroit News is that “ 2009 looks dreadful for car sales here, with the possibility that some major players might be taken over or lesser mortals expire completely.” 

The European car manufacturers are seeking $6.5 billion in loans spread across all the players, including Ford and GM Europe, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes of Germany, Renault and Peugeot-Citroen of France, and Italy’s Fiat. Will these loans be enough to stop the “bleeding” ? Are any of the traditional european brands going to disappear or join larger corporations? 

We certainly don’t know at this point since the economical climate seems to be changing at a fast pace, but I encourage you to read the full article, Neil Winton, European columnist for Autos Insider, brings up some good points and relates some interesting information.

Full Article DetNewsbmw

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3 Responses to “Analysts say: Possible mergers between European carmakers in 2009”

  1. jocamryn says:
    December 23, 2008 at 7:30 am

    BMW lose its independence? Imaging the Gren Party having it’s say in production and R&D!?

    Things could get pretty vanilla if that were to happen. I expect them to be forced to increase R&D on green initiatives, but a dramatic change in course is not going to happen (IMHO).

    However, a 35MPG 3 series would boost sales in the future. WHy do you think that the Focus is selling so well despite it’s bland styling?

    Reply
  2. Doug says:
    December 23, 2008 at 10:43 am

    I’d assume that they wouldn’t consolidate the brands (not for a while, anyway), just have joint r&d and manufacturing efforts.

    Also, I think the Focus is selling so well because it’s 1/3rd the price of the 3-series ;)

    Reply
  3. bmidd says:
    December 23, 2008 at 12:45 pm

    The thing I have always wondered is where would BMW/MB go? Any other larger company already has a luxury line.

    Reply

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