Guys,<p>I just read an interesting news article on the Car & Driver Magazine web page. It said that the VW group was interested in acquiring Volvo (which I had heard of before), and possibly BMW!! Now in light of all the BMW vs. Audi posts recently, this would be hilarious..!<p>Click on the ticker tape news headline that appears on title page just above the A4 vs. 328i comparison picture.<p>-Ash Silver 98.5 1.8TQMS<ul><li><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com">C&D Magazine</a></li></ul>

Ohhh, wouldn't that be a hoot! VAG recently outbid BMW for Rolls and now they may be *buying* BMW? BMW and Audi under the same "roof"... talk about bickering siblings!<p>I can see whomever at VAG with the company checkbook... <p>"Ok, how much did you say it was for BMW?" (he fills out the check and hands it to the clerk) <p>Clerk asks for some identification. "Uhh, oh yeah, hold on a sec. I have my driver license right here... and can I get a reciept for that too please."<p>Clerk pages manager to approve the check. Manager recognizes the guy... "Yeah, he's good for it." Manager approves the check. "Enjoy your new car company sir, have a nice day." <p>

I for one wouldn't want to see this happen. The current world trend of everyone merging with everyone is generally bad for competition, bad for choice, bad for variety, bad for consumers.

this is actually the second time that i've read or heard this rumor, however, the initial time was a much more complicated transaction that had vw purchasing a majority ownership in bmw. As i said it was a very complicated transaction, however, it would be very interesting and imho very very unlikely.<br>

Actually if such a thing would happend, I don't see any bickering going on. I really don't see the Audi vs BMW rivalry going on much except for this crazy list. You guys just wouldn't have anything to bitch about anymore :)<p>Brad Franklin

and BMW,obviously, has also denied those rumors.<p>Merger-mania in the Auto world will continue, but it's unlikely VW will take control of BMW.<p>Rob O

I have several friends with 328's and one with a a 540, 6 speed, sport with S02's... all fine cars. You won't see me bashing them. <p>One fast ride in the 540 through the twisties and you'll understand why it's called "The Ultimate Driving Machine". One bad-ass car! EC called the 540 sport a 4-door 911.<br>

Although I would like the Audi/VW/Other and BMW products seperate(differentation, prod development, etc...), it is likely that BMW will seek to merge with someone of equal or greater power soon(1-3 yrs). Lets face it, the world is narrowing down on corporate entities. I have owned and may someday own another BMW but the smaller players in the Auto world aren't going to make it alone. GM, Ford, Chrysler/Benz(or vice versa), VW AG, Toyota - are rulers - poised for conquest. <p>Think about it - BMW is not a particularlly "volume-based" company. They have excellent products(minus my problematic 93 325 of course) but they don't own any of the marketplace segments. Sure the M's are unique but I don't think BMW could produce 100K units a year here much less actually sell them. <p>Have no knowledge that VW would see an aquisition as lucrative however you have to think that there is SOMEONE out there looking to aquire them, VW included.<p>98.5 A4QMS2.8 Avant

...and if you read my entire post, I even stated that the auto industry was going to continue to consolidate.<p>Rob O