Front Wheel Drive BMW on Route

During the Annual Accounts Press Conference held in Munich this week, German carmaker BMW confirmed, through the voice of Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the board, that a front wheel drive model will be added in the line-up below the 1 Series, in an attempt to further integrate the MINI and BMW brands.

"The small car segment is expected to grow further. And we will take advantage of this opportunity," Reithofer said at the event.

"We are exploring the possibility of developing a joint architecture for the front and four-wheel drive systems of these cars. In other words: There will be front-wheel drive BMWs in the smaller vehicle classes in the future."

Some may feel disappointed by the news, or at least somewhat feel betrayed by the departure from the engineering solutions which made BMW the carmaker it is today. Yet, it is all about money, and BMW needs them to survive as well.

"We all know that the cost structure in the small car segment is different from that of the larger model classes. We intend to grow profitably in this segment as well," the chairman added.

"We will increasingly apply modular manufacturing kits to various models and brands. This approach enables us to cut costs further – without compromising on top quality."

Trying to reassure those fearful that BMW will not loose its edge, Reithofer said the addition of the front wheel drive platform to the lineup will not affect the sportiness of the brand.