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Autocar UKÂ reports that Saab is putting up a very generous bid to buy the rights to the outgoing BMW Mini platform. Saab has been reportedly struggling financially and they believe that securing the rights to a small-car platform will be the solution to their problems. If they win the bidding, this would allow Saab to compete with other premium compact automakers. MINI and Audi are the leaders in the segment as we speak.
This is not the first time that Saab got interested in something from MINI. They have also previously secured a deal to buy Mini’s 1.6-litre turbo engine. BMW will phase out the current Mini R56-generation platform before 2012 ends, and when the all-new Mini 3 is released. The Mini 3 will be using an entirely new front-drive platform made by BMW, which will also be used for the brand’s small cars.
Right now, Saab’s plans seem very ambitious. There are no signs that they are recovering from the financial crisis since their suppliers have not received payments from the automaker still.
Source: Autocar.co.uk
