Volkswagen introduces the new MQB Platform

[Iamnotme]

Article @ Autocar

 

[Iamnotme]

Press Release:

•*MQB exploits synergies in key technologies across vehicle classes and brands
•*MQB makes luxury class technologies accessible to high-volume models

Wolfsburg, 01 February 2012: This year, the Volkswagen Group will be introducing the Modular Transverse Matrix – the German acronym is MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten) – for the Volkswagen, Audi, ŠKODA and SEAT brands. The MQB strategy represents a turning point in the design and production of future automobiles with transverse-mounted engines. The Modular Transverse Matrix standardises many vehicle component parameters – across brands and vehicle classes. At the same time, it offers access to new technologies.

The MQB extends from the A0 to the B segment. At the Volkswagen brand, for example, it covers the following models: Polo, Beetle, Golf, Scirocco, Jetta, Tiguan, Touran, Sharan, Passat and Volkswagen CC. In the future, all of these models could theoretically be produced on the same assembly line – despite their different wheelbases and track widths. It will be possible to produce MQB models of different brands together. The first new vehicles to be produced based on the MQB will be the successor to the Audi A3 and the next generation Golf.

One of the prominent characteristics of the Modular Transverse Matrix is the uniform mounting position of all engines. Two systems integrated in the MQB strategy which play a key role here are the modular petrol engine system (MOB) with the new EA211 engine series (60 to 150 PS) – this range includes the world’s first four-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation (ACT) – and the modular diesel engine system (MDB) with the new EA288 engine series (90 to 190 PS). In one fell swoop, the new engine series will reduce the Group’s engine and gearbox variants in the MQB system by approximately 90 per cent, without a detrimental effect. On the contrary; in addition to standardising conventional internal combustion engines, the MQB also enables an identical mounting position for all current alternative drive concepts without limitations – from natural gas and hybrid versions to the pure electric drive. Volkswagen has already announced the launch of the latter within the MQB in 2013 in the new Golf Blue-e-Motion.

The MQB opens up new opportunities at the Volkswagen Group, allowing it to produce high-volume and niche models at the highest quality and extremely competitive costs over the long term and worldwide – vehicles that are individually tailored to the requirements of very diverse markets such as Europe, China and America, as well as emerging markets such as India. In parallel, the Volkswagen Group will significantly reduce vehicle weights with the launch of the first MQB model series and will introduce 20 innovations in the areas of safety and infotainment, which until now were reserved for higher vehicle segments.

They include the new multicollision brake; after an initial collision, it helps to reduce the intensity of secondary collisions by automatically initiated braking. Very recently, ADAC awarded this system the ‘Yellow Angel’ award for innovations. The multicollision brake will be standard equipment in the next generations of the Audi A3 and the Golf.

Within the Group, the MQB developed under the auspices of the Volkswagen brand is supplemented by the Modular Longitudinal System (MLB) from Audi, the Modular Standard System (MSB) with Porsche as the competence centre and finally the ‘New Small Family’ – the most compact vehicle model series with the Volkswagen up!, SEAT Mii and ŠKODA Citigo.

One indicator of the pioneering significance of the modular systems strategy and the innovative potential realised by these new vehicle and production architectures is that Volkswagen was selected as one of five finalists for the ‘Innovation Award of the German Economy – The World’s First Innovation Award®’ for its Modular Transverse Matrix. This prestigious award for outstanding technical, scientific and intellectual achievements has been awarded annually since 1980 by the Economics Club of Rhein-Main and since 2011 in conjunction with the newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. On 11 February, the prize winners will be announced at the Palais 'Thurn und Taxis' in Frankfurt, Germany, by Günther Oettinger, EU Commissar for Energy.

 

[Centurion]

The MQB extends from the A0 to the B segment. At the Volkswagen brand, for example, it covers the following models: Polo, Beetle, Golf, Scirocco, Jetta, Tiguan, Touran, Sharan, Passat and Volkswagen CC.

I'm speechless. That's phenomenal. Competitors should fear as this will increase VW's flexibility even more, making it possible for them to bring niche models to market very quickly. For service centers this will mean less training for different engine bays and mountings. Margins for the VW will take a giant leap forward.

 

[LaArtist]

Crazy stuff..its like a transformer

 

[Centurion]

Crazy stuff..its like a transformer

More like the reinvention of Ford-ism. VAG are standardising customisation in a push for higher profit margins. They seek to fill every niche at the lowest cost possible but with strong differentiation. Apple have successfully done so with the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch which three products for people with different needs. With the exception of screen and battery size the internals of all three products are the same. The iMac does make use of laptop components and does share some components with the Macbook Pros. It's the same principle with Audi and VW cars. They are cars for different needs but under the bonnet and body they share key components.

 

[Tarek]

That is just so efficient.

 

[speed_kills]

Isn't what GM always done?

 

[Human]

Volkswagen willing to sell new modular platform to other automakers

Volkswagen has a lot riding on its new modular MQB platform. It cost approximately $79 billion to develop, and it will underpin a vast majority of the brand’s upcoming cars, as well as a slew of new models from SEAT, Skoda, and Audi. Industry analysts predict that over six million cars will ride on the MQB platform by 2018

In theory, the profit generated by the cars that use the platform should begin to pay off the brand’s investment by 2014. However, if Volkswagen sees it necessary to speed up the return of its investment, it will consider selling the rights to use the platform to other manufacturers.

“The next two to three years are exciting for us, and during this time we intend to keep the technology to ourselves. We do not wish to share our excellence,” said Volkswagen board member Michael Macht. “In the medium to long term we could sell the technology. We would have to look at the opportunities and evaluate whether they made [sic] sense.”

It is difficult to imagine Volkswagen’s arch rivals buying the rights to the platform, so don’t expect to see companies like Fiat or Renault placing a bid for it. If the technology is licensed, it will undoubtedly be to a smaller company that poses no threat to the German automaker.

That being said, if Volkswagen does decide to put the MQB platform up for sale, it will likely not have a hard time finding a buyer. The MQB is a versatile platform that was designed to underpin everything from an up!-sized city car to a Passat-sized family car, so a small automaker could revamp most of its lineup with a single investment.

Source: http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-will-consider-selling-mqb-platform-in-two-or-three-years.html

 

[Centurion]

I can see manufacturers like Lotus, Jaguar, Caterham and possibly Maserati lining up for leftovers. It's much cheaper to buy a barebones car that you can customise with engine, body, gear box and interior as opposed to setting up your own factories. It's lower risk too.

 

[KiwiRob]

I can see manufacturers like Lotus, Jaguar, Caterham and possibly Maserati lining up for leftovers. It's much cheaper to buy a barebones car that you can customise with engine, body, gear box and interior as opposed to setting up your own factories. It's lower risk too.

Why would Lotus, Jaguar, Caterham and possibly Maserati be interested in the MQB platform, all those brands makes cars that are significantly different than anything the VW Group will build on it, for instance they are all only produce RWD vehicles.