Automotive companies often venture beyond their core business to explore various industries. While some aim to increase profits, others do so to maintain stability during economic crises. Below, we explore interesting projects from famous brands outside the automotive sector. This is reported by Autocar.co.uk .
In 2012, BMW developed a bobsled for the US Olympic team. Using its expertise in carbon fiber materials and aerodynamics, the company created a lightweight and fast sled. As a result, American athletes reached the podium at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics for the first time since 1952.
Fiat acquired the famous Italian newspaper "La Stampa" in 1926. Under the company's ownership, the newspaper became one of the largest publications in the country. Even in 1978, despite pressure from Muammar Gaddafi, the publisher maintained its independence. Fiat only sold its stake in 2017.
In 1926, Henry Ford built an entire town called "Fordlândia" in the Brazilian rainforest. His goal was to produce rubber for automotive parts. However, the project failed, and in 1934, Ford was forced to abandon the town as synthetic rubber production proved much more efficient.
In 2015, despite being competitors, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz jointly acquired the HERE mapping service from Nokia. This move allowed automakers to independently develop maps for future autonomous vehicles without relying on Apple or Google's rules.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
