Daimler buys into Agusta as motorbike and car tech converge

Daimler AG (DAIGn.DE) will buy 25 percent of Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta (IPO-MVAG.MI) - the latest sign that motorbike and car technologies are converging, driven by a push to lower emissions and improve safety. Daimler said on Friday it would buy the stake via its Mercedes-AMG performance cars unit and take a seat on the board at Agusta - a legendary name in the sport of motorcycling, having won at least 75 world championship rider and constructor titles. It did not disclose the financial terms and said it was part of a broader cooperation deal between high-end brands Mercedes and Agusta which would mainly focus on marketing and sales. Daimler says Agusta's motorbike engines are unlikely to be used in its Mercedes passenger cars any time soon - however tougher anti-pollution rules have increased interest among carmakers in the lightweight construction technology and compact engines, which could be used as "range extender" add-ons to complement electric engines in hybrid vehicles.

via Business News http://ift.tt/1u1nq9r