BMW is interested in purchasing De Tomaso as talks between the two for this reason were confirmed. The question is, why? De Tomaso has not done anything of merit for automotive enthusiasts since the Pantera in the 70's and went into liquidation in 2004. The value here clearly is not in production capacity or in acquiring a profitable carmaker. The only thing De Tomaso offers is the name and Italian heritage.

BMW said earlier this year it had no interest in De Tomaso. Perhaps the VW Group's recent buying spree has changed the mind of BMW executives. The thing is, the Italian make Volkswagen owns has a much richer heritage than De Tomaso. The average person knows the name Ferrari or Lamborghini but it will take someone who really pays attention to the car world to know the De Tomaso name today.

Maybe BMW intends to make a cheap FIAT style entry level car with the De Tomaso name? Maybe, the whole move does not make all too much sense but if anyone could do something with the brand to revitalize it BMW has proved capable with what they achieved with MINI.

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