Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti in talks to jointly build second shared vehicle platform

Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti are in talks to start jointly developing a second shared vehicle platform to be used to build larger sedans and SUVs.

The two premium brands, which already have an agreement to work together on a smaller platform for compact cars, would spin off their own individual models from the potential new platform, said Johan de Nysschen, Infiniti chief executive.

“We are looking at a versatile platform for larger vehicles, both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, that could form the basis for sedans and SUVs.”

Germany's Daimler, which owns Mercedes, and Japan's Nissan, which owns Infiniti, have formed a global alliance that shares designs, products, engines and factories between the companies. – (Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2014)