BMW and Toyota plan engine-swap deal, reports say

Details have begun to emerge about a planned engine-swap deal between BMW and Toyota.

Set to be made public at the Tokyo motor show this week, the cooperation is said to center on BMW supplying Toyota with four- and six-cylinder common-rail diesel engines for use in a wide range of models. In return, Toyota plans to provide BMW with technology used to combine combustion engines and electric motors in various hybrid applications.

A BMW spokesperson in Munich contacted by Autoweek acknowledged that talks between the two companies had taken place but, contrary to information provided by internal BMW sources, would not confirm that an announcement was imminent.

Newspapers in Germany and Japan have reported that the automakers are prepared to announce the powertrain plan this week. Toyota and BMW labeled the reports as speculation and declined to comment.

By Greg Kable