A new design and manufacturing process being put forward by Volkswagen AG has the potential to significantly reduce vehicle production costs as well as cut down the time to market for new models. The process would utilize four core platforms on which VW would build vehicles for different segments and different brands. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg VW AG’s Board Member in charge of Technology has said that utilizing a small number of highly adaptable platforms, could enable the automaker to save as much as 30 per cent in production costs and pass those savings onto shareholders, dealers and customers.
VW has already begun the process with the introduction of the 2012 Beetle and 2013 Golf models, which use the MQB platform, designed to accommodate vehicles from small family cars to mid-size sedans and even SUVs. Hackenberg says that besides being a great cost enabler it will enable VW “to bring any potential powertrain to market,” as well as making the idea of niche-focused products more viable and standardizing technology features, such as backup cameras or adaptive cruise control, introducing them to more models in the lower priced segments.
Other automakers, including Toyota are embarking on similar programs though as a spokesman for General Motors said recently to the The Detroit Bureau, VW’s plans could give it a significant and much advantageous leads over rivals. “By the time we figure it out they may have a several-year lead on us,” the spokesman said.
