Why would BMW do such a thing? Lancia offers nothing. Lancia doesn't sell well anywhere except, perhaps, Italy. Additionally, Rover brought its own products, nameplates, plants, and technology. Lancia brings the Lancia name...all products, technology, and plants are Fiat's. Lancia, as with all of Fiat Auto, is on death's door and nobody cares to stop it. Only Alfa Romeo has a chance of surviving.
I really think someone should realize that someone could purchase BMW if the Quandt family wanted to step down (long rumored). My belief....Honda will buy BMW.