BMW, Mercedes Pivot From Enemies to Partners in New Auto Era BMW AG dodged a takeover attempt by Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG six decades ago, and ever since the two luxury-car icons have been bitter rivals — until recently. Reflecting the historic challenges gripping the auto industry, BMW and Daimler are reaching across the aisle to team up in what’s become an emerging trend in the sector. The latest rapprochement between the German manufacturers involves talks to join forces on key components including vehicle platforms, electric-car batteries and autonomous-driving technology, according to people familiar with the matter. That could mean models like the BMW 2-Series coupe and Mercedes A-Class sedan could one day share similar underpinnings, a prospect that would have been anathema to both sides just a few years ago. That’s changing as crushing development expenses for next-generation vehicles, a looming slowdown in conventional models and agile new competitors prod unprecedented cooperation. “The pressure on […]