Sunday, August 30, 2009

Hot News: Toyota/BMW iQ Tie-up


Toyota is in talks with BMW about using the Mini Coupe and Roadster platform to future model variants, according to reports from the US.
Although neither company has confirmed the reports, it is claimed that BMW would get use of the next-generation iQ, specifically its interior and platform, in return for Toyota using the Mini platform.
The iQ platform could also be used to underpin a production version of BMW’s micro electric car, rumoured to be called the Isetta.
The concept version of the Mini Coupe was shown off last week and it and its sister Roadster will be on show at the Frankfurt motor show next month. Both models are expected to make production in two to three years time, although BMW has yet to give the green light.
Aston Martin has already arranged a similar deal with Toyota to use the iQ as the basis for its Cygnet micro car.
Thanks to: Autocar