Daimler and Renault team up

[mikeyb]

The European car industry is set to consolidate further with the news that Daimler and Renault are to co-operate on platform and drivetrain sharing, with Mercedes, Nissan, Smart and Renault working together on new models.

The aim is to save what a Daimler insider described to Autocar as billions of euros in annual savings for both sides.

Similar talks Daimler between BMW broke down last year due to differences in engineering philosophy on small cars and engines. BMW will now seek closer working ties with PSA.

We have talked to just about everyone in recent years but over time it became apparent that Renault provided the best fit both in terms of operations and business culture, said a Daimler source familiar with the talks.

At the heart of the co-operation is Project Edison - a new small car initiative based on a platform which will underpin the next Smart ForTwo and, a successor to the Smart ForFour. This model will use a rear-engine/rear-wheel drive layout, and todays Tridion safety cell, both of which are considered unique selling points for the Smart brand.

Renault will use the new platform as the basis for the production version of the electric Twizy and the next Twingo, to be built alongside the Smart at Renaults Slovenian plant.

The second major component of the deal will be drivetrain sharing. Project Edison will include an electric powertrain based on the Smart ED, and there will be a range of new four-cylinder petrol and diesels to be uses in Mercedes, Smarts, Renaults and Nissans.

Ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 litres, the engines will be engineered by Daimler and built by Renault. They will be used in cars such as the next A and B-class, as well as forthcoming Clios and Meganes.

Although not part of the initial co-operation, Daimler sources reveal Renaults Ghosn is also investigating using Mercedes-Benzs new front- and four-wheel drive MFA (modular front antrieb) platform set to underpin the new A- and B-class for a proposed entry level Infiniti model.

Also under discussion is a possible further expansion of the co-operation agreement that would see Daimler supply Renault with V6 and V8 petrol and diesel engines as well as a new automatic transmission to replace todays seven-speed 7G-Tronic unit for use in future Infiniti models.

[autocar]

 

[TinmanMS6]

Hey, maybe somebody can lend M-B a manual tranny!

 

[mikeyb]

Hey, maybe somebody can lend M-B a manual tranny!

I don't think that will ever happen.

 

[Kymerik]

and thats a shame

 

[mikeyb]

Official Renault-Nissan and Daimler announce alliance

At a news conference in Brussels, Belgium this morning, Daimler AG and the Renault-Nissan alliance officially announced that the three automakers would collaborate on future products and that each would exchange shares in the other companies. The deal has been rumored for months, and Daimler has been looking for a partner to help spread the costs of small car development for years.

Under the new agreement, Daimler will hold a 3.1-percent stake in Renault and Nissan and the existing alliance partners will hold an identical stake in the German company. The partners will develop a combined platform that will be used as the basis for the next generations of the Renault Twingo and Smart cars, including a new four-seater. These new models will launch in 2013 and the current Smart factory in France will continue building the two-seat version. The new four-seater, along with the Twingo, will be built at a Renault factory in Slovenia. All three vehicles will be available from launch in gas, diesel and electric drive variants.

The automakers will also share powertrains for other models. Renault-Nissan will provide small gas and diesel engines to Daimler for use in its smaller cars, including presumably the next generation A, B and perhaps even C-Class Mercedes-Benz models. Going the other way, Daimler will provide some of its engines to Nissan for use in Infiniti models. The partners will also collaborate on light commercial vehicles, with Renault providing a new entry-level van to be sold as a Mercedes.

[Sources: Renault, Daimler]

 

[coolmazda5]

Report: Infiniti G to get four-cylinder Mercedes engine

We've all been wondering exactly what flavor of fruit the Daimler AG/Renault-Nissan mash-up would bear, and now it looks like we may have our first answer. Starting soon, the Infiniti G will boast an efficient four-cylinder engine borrowed straight from Mercedes-Benz. AutoWeek reports that Nissan head-honcho Carlos Ghosn confirmed the news himself, though so far we have no indication of exactly which four-pot will make its way into the Japanese sedan or when it will be available to buyers.

The suits at both Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz don't seem to be too concerned about the new four-cylinder G robbing sales from the Silver Arrow. Ghosn said that customers typically don't cross-shop the two brands at all. Instead, Infiniti will benefit from having a new efficient option for buyers that will help the company meet impending fuel standards, and Mercedes-Benz will move more powerplants than before. Win, win.

[Autoblog]

 

[mikeyb]

Diesel!!!