Future FWD BMW Model Lineup Preview

Iron Man · 08-25-2010, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

All I read was 20 new models in mini and bmw. Since there are only about 5 mini models that leaves 15 bmw FWDs. Not all will be 1 series, so I fear that it will trickle to the 3, as per Audi has FWD a4. This I don't want to see happen.

That is all you have right now "fear" of the unknown and pure speculation. I seriously doubt you will ever see a FWD 3-series. BMW is doing this for volume and increase in MPG numbers to meet future regs. They can meet both these goals without ever making a FWD 3-series.

STE92VE · 08-30-2010, 03:03 PM

Don't look now, but BMW isn't the only German car company considering FWD...

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/artic...0786&GT1=22026

mkoesel · 08-30-2010, 03:21 PM

Mercedes has had the FWD A Class and B Class for years now. Though, admittedly, never in the US.

Quote:

Originally Posted by STE92VE

Don't look now, but BMW isn't the only German car company considering FWD...

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/artic...0786&GT1=22026

ENINTY · 08-30-2010, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 55

That is the reason number 1 for FWD domination

What, a drive shaft?

ENINTY · 08-30-2010, 08:54 PM

Anybody remember the "no compromise" marketing campaign of a few years ago where BMW touted it didn't need to make automobiles with compromises since it didn't share platforms?

Jake C · 09-01-2010, 08:29 PM

I think one of the reasons that BMW is possibly going to a FWD platform is to increase volume. I read an article a few months ago talking about how auto manufactures need to increase volume of sales or seek other revenue streams or face being absorbed or merged into another larger company. Look at Volkswagen Audi Group total sales YTD for all of their brands. BMW has a profit margin now if they can increase sales with the same (or better) profit margin that allows further growth and more profitability for the company.

So Auto Manufactures need to increase profitability and increase sales. Always room from improvement.

Just read another interesting (although a little old) article on the subject.

http://www.oliverwyman.com/ow/pdf_fi...stemprofit.pdf

- J

Vel · 09-02-2010, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STE92VE

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In 30 years, automotive design will have very little resemblance to what it is today.

Some things are timeless; '69 camaro, for one -fugly is forever. This thing is never gonna be popular outside yuppies and the San Francisco crowd

08-30-2010, 03:03 PM	#46
STE92VE STEVIL Empire 218 Rep 6,297 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	Don't look now, but BMW isn't the only German car company considering FWD... http://editorial.autos.msn.com/artic...0786&GT1=22026 __________________ 2007 E92 328i 6MT-Space Gray/Black Dakota/Gray Poplar w/heated seats-PCD 4/27/07 (SOLD) 2009 E90 328i xDrive 6AT-Space Gray/Oyster Dakota/Dark Burl Walnut w/ZPP,ZCW,Xenons-ED 4/17/09 - Redelivery 5/30/09 (SOLD) 2014 E84 xDrive28i 8AT-Alpine White/Black Nevada/Silver Matte w/ZMV,ZLP,494 - DD 3/14/14 (SOLD)
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08-30-2010, 08:54 PM	#49
ENINTY Banned 173 Rep 3,415 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Sport Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Anybody remember the "no compromise" marketing campaign of a few years ago where BMW touted it didn't need to make automobiles with compromises since it didn't share platforms?
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09-01-2010, 08:29 PM	#50
Jake C Lieutenant 18 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 2009 335i 2010 335d Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: US/UK iTrader: (0)	I think one of the reasons that BMW is possibly going to a FWD platform is to increase volume. I read an article a few months ago talking about how auto manufactures need to increase volume of sales or seek other revenue streams or face being absorbed or merged into another larger company. Look at Volkswagen Audi Group total sales YTD for all of their brands. BMW has a profit margin now if they can increase sales with the same (or better) profit margin that allows further growth and more profitability for the company. So Auto Manufactures need to increase profitability and increase sales. Always room from improvement. Just read another interesting (although a little old) article on the subject. http://www.oliverwyman.com/ow/pdf_fi...stemprofit.pdf - J __________________ In Memory of LeRoi Moore 1961-2008.
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