VW Group unveils MQB platform for next generation models

VW Group unveils MQB platform for next generation models

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Nobody in the auto industry business masters the art of platform sharing quite like the Volkswagen Group. A typical mass-market VW platform spans not just several model variants, but in fact underpins a variety of models sold under different brands. It explains why a Skoda Superb, for example, feels exactly like a Volkswagen vehicle.

The massive economies of scale borne from this practice allows the VW Group to feasibly maintain such a large conglomerate of brands, all of them able to offer outstanding build quality, high levels of technology and at the same time keeping costs competitive. Moving forward, the Group will take this practice to an all-new level with the introduction of its new Modular Transverse Matrix platform, or MQB in German shorthand.

The MQB will spawn an unprecedented number of models of various sizes covering the VW Group’s four biggest brands – Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, and Seat. In Volkswagen alone, the platform will underpin the next generation models of the Polo, Beetle, Golf, Scirocco, Jetta, Tiguan, Touran, Sharan, Passat, and CC. Another confirmed recipient of this platform is the all-new Audi A3, which is due to be launched around the corner. We can further speculate that models such as the Skoda Octavia, Skoda Superb, Audi A1 and Audi Q3 will also be recipients of this platform during their next respective model changes.

A key characteristic of the MQB platform is its uniform engine mounting points designed to accommodate two all-new four-cylinder engine family series. Petrol power will come from the EA211 series rated from 54hp to 148hp, whilst diesel power will supplied by the EA288 engine series putting out between 89hp and 188hp. Also compatible with the new platform are a series of natural gas, hybrid, and electric powertrains.

According to VW, the MQB platform’s unprecedented levels of flexibility allows all vehicles underpinned by it, regardless of overall lengths, wheelbase and track, to be produced on the same line. This brings about massive savings in production costs and at the same time gives the Group great flexibility to tweak its production schedules to suit demand. We know from a recent tour of VW’s plant in Wolfsburg last year that preparations are well underway to commission the production lines of the new Golf Mk VII, an early recipient of this platform.

Another benefit of the MQB platform is its immense economies of scale, which will allow VW to bring previously elite technologies closer to the mass market at competitive costs. One such feature is the multicollision brake system which automatically initiates braking at the onset of a collision to minimize damage. This system will be standard feature in the A3 and Golf.

As the MQB is set to cater for the Group’s core mid-range offerings, it will also be supplemented by a number of other platforms to cater to the market’s extreme ends. At the bottom of the spectrum is the ‘New Small Family’ line from which the Volkswagen up!, Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo are spawned.

Moving up, we have the Modular Longitudinal System (MLB) platform used exclusively by Audi, who traditionally prefers north-south engine orientations despite extensively using a front-wheel drive layout. There is also the Modular Standard System (MSB) platform developed by Porsche for the Group’s even more exquisite offerings.

KON

Pictures: Official Volkswagen release.

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