Skip advert
Advertisement

'Car companies that don’t partner up won’t survive'

Mercedes and BMW are setting a good example of sharing technology and expertise, says Steve Fowler

bmw mercedes opinion header

Among the many important reveals and announcements at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, finding myself sitting in front of Mercedes’ research and development boss (and soon-to-be CEO) Ola Källenius and his BMW R&D counterpart Klaus Fröhlich was a real pinch-yourself moment.

Here were two giants of the industry, working for rival firms, talking about cooperating on future technologies. Yes, working together: BMW and Mercedes.

Advertisement - Article continues below

2019 Geneva Motor Show round-up

The two companies will be developing autonomous vehicle technology, combining expertise, sharing costs and, according to Källenius, “bringing more power, speed and quality to what we’re trying to develop”.

“Some of the new technologies in avenues like this are hugely exciting and will bring huge benefits to our customers we couldn’t dream about 10 years ago,” he said.

Car companies have been developing complicated technologies in parallel for years, though. It’s often puzzled me why every major brand produces its own versions of same-sized, same-power output engines, for example. It wouldn’t happen in the tech world. So why now?

“We’re in a transformational era of the automotive industry; you could say a disruptive era of the auto industry,” Källenius told me. “So as we go through this transformational era of very high investment – and of course you know what’s going on with electrification and reducing CO2, and many other areas – if you find the right partner or in this case the right partners, you can share investment.”

In addition to their technical collaboration, Mercedes and BMW will be working together to provide sustainable urban mobility services. “We have to invent new fields of revenue besides the classic automotive business to sell or lease cars,” explained Fröhlich.

However, it was his stark warning about the future of the car industry that reveals just how much things are going to have to change. “Partnering will be essential to survive as an OEM,” he said. It’s always made sense, but rarely happened in the past. A change in mindset at some car makers is desperately needed, not least some close to home.

What do you think about car companies sharing technologies? Let us know in the comments below...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best classic cars - the classics we’d most love to own
Best classic cars - July 25

Best classic cars - the classics we’d most love to own

These are our favourite classic cars, from British beauties to V8-engined beasts
Best cars & vans
8 Jul 2025
Luxury Mercedes ‘leather’ made from old tyres is great news for the planet, and cows
‘Labfiber Biotech Leather Alternative’ - tyre and leather

Luxury Mercedes ‘leather’ made from old tyres is great news for the planet, and cows

The new material was first seen in the radical AMG GT XX concept, but will be used in the brand’s road cars
News
26 Jun 2025
New Mercedes-AMG super-saloon looks ready to pounce on the Lotus Emeya
Mercedes-AMG electric super-saloon - front 3/4 static

New Mercedes-AMG super-saloon looks ready to pounce on the Lotus Emeya

AMG’s new technological flagship will be revealed in full next year, after being previewed by the radical AMG GT XX concept
News
26 Jun 2025
New Mercedes-AMG GT XX Concept unveils 1,341bhp plan to blow the Porsche Taycan away
Mercedes-AMG GT XX Concept - front reveal

New Mercedes-AMG GT XX Concept unveils 1,341bhp plan to blow the Porsche Taycan away

High-performance Mercedes-AMG GT XX Concept to start a new chapter in high-performance engineering
News
25 Jun 2025

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025