Volkswagen Group MQB platform

The Volkswagen Group MQB platform is the company's strategy for shared modular construction of its transverse, front-engined, front-wheel drive (optional four-wheel drive) automobiles. Volkswagen spent roughly $60,000,000,000[1] developing this new platform to underpin a wide range of cars from the supermini class to the full size SUV class. MQB allows Volkswagen to assemble any of its cars based on this platform across all of its MQB ready factories. This allows the Volkswagen group flexibility to shift production as needed between its different factories. Beginning in 2012, Volkswagen Group marketed the strategy under the code name MQB, which stands for Modularer Querbaukasten, translating from German to "Modular Transversal Toolkit" or "Modular Transverse Matrix".[2][3] MQB is one strategy within VW's overall MB (Modularer Baukasten or modular matrix) program which also includes the similar MLB strategy for vehicles with longitudinal engine orientation.[4]

While a model may be said to use an MQB platform, it is not so much a platform per se, but rather a system for introducing rationality across disparate platforms that share engine orientation — regardless of model, vehicle size or brand. Thus MQB uses a core "matrix" of components across a wide variety of platforms — for example, sharing a common engine-mounting core for all drivetrains (e.g., gasoline, diesel, natural gas, hybrid and purely electric). As well as reducing weight, the concept allows diverse models, including those from the company's various brands, to be manufactured at the same plant, further saving cost.[4][5]

"MQB Bodengruppe"
Volkswagen MQB floor assembly on display at the 2012 Hannover Messe.

Ulrich Hackenberg, chief of Volkswagen’s Research and Development (Head of Audi Development until 2015), called MB a "strategic weapon."[4]

Press comments

British magazine Car said "the idea heralds a return to basic principles of mass production in an industry where over the last 100 years, complexity has spiralled out of control. By creating a standardised, interchangeable set of parts from which to build a variety of cars, (the company) plans to cut the time taken to build a car by 30%."[6]

The car weblog Jalopnik said "The biggest feature is the uniform position of all motors and transmissions" and that "by fitting all motors into the same place (the company) hope(s) to cut down on engineering costs and weight/complexity when porting the car over to other models."[7] Around 60% of the development costs occur between gas pedal and front wheels, including the engine.[8]

MQB-based models

MQB models may range from superminis to large family cars, replacing the current generations of models. The MQB architecture will supersede the current PQ25, PQ35 and PQ46 platforms.

All MQB cars will share the same front axle, pedal box and engine positioning, despite varying wheelbase, track and external dimensions.

Body styles; (1) 3-door hatchback (2) 4-door saloon (3) 5-door hatchback (4) 5-door coupe/liftback (sw) 5-door station wagon (c) convertible (r) roadster (mpv) 5-door MPV (x) 5-door SUV/Crossover (v) Panel van.

Current

Upcoming

See also

References

  1. ↑ "VW could sell £50bn MQB platform | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-11-15.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Pötsch, Hans Peter (2011-05-19). "Volkswagen - Driving Forward" (PDF). volkswagenag.com. Volkswagen AG. p. 16. Archived from the original on 2012-11-22. Retrieved 2012-11-22. MQB: Modularer Querbaukasten / Modular Transversal Toolkit
  3. ↑ "Experience D[r]iversity - Volkswagen AG - Factbook 2011" (PDF). volkswagenag.com. Volkswagen AG. 2011. Archived from the original on 2012-11-22. Retrieved 2012-11-22. The Modular Longitudinal Matrix is the use of a modular strategy in vehicle platforms in which the drive train is mounted longitudinally to the direction of travel.[..] This concept is already used at Audi since 2007 to develop vehicles. [section header] "MODULAR TRANSVERSE MATRIX (MQB)" - The Modular Transverse Matrix signifies the next quantum leap in the extension of the cross-brand platform and modular strategy. As an extension of the modular strategy, this toolkit can be deployed in vehicles whose architecture permits a transverse arrangement of the drivetrain components. The MQB enables us to [..]
  4. 1 2 3 Schmitt, Bertel (2011-08-07). "The Revolution Of The Car Industry: Kit Cars". The Truth About Cars. The Truth About Cars. Archived from the original on 2012-11-22. Retrieved 2012-11-22.
  5. ↑ Ross, David (2012-02-02). "Volkswagen's new chassis explained". honestjohn.co.uk. Honestjohn.co.uk Ltd. Archived from the original on 2012-11-22. Retrieved 2012-11-22.
  6. ↑ Crosse, Jesse (2012-02-23). "Tomorrow's world: VW's new MQB platform tech". Car. Bauer Media Limited. Archived from the original on 2012-11-22. Retrieved 2012-11-22.
  7. ↑ Hardigree, Matt (2012-02-01). "This Is The New Volkswagen Golf". Jalopnik. Gawker Media. Archived from the original on 2012-11-22. Retrieved 2012-11-22.
  8. ↑ Joann Muller. "How Volkswagen Will Rule The World" Forbes Magazine, May 6, 2013 Forbes. Page 1 Page 3
  9. ↑ http://media.skoda-auto.com/en/_layouts/Skoda.PRPortal/pressrelease.aspx?ID=795
  10. ↑ "Volkswagen introduces new American-built 7-passenger SUV". Retrieved 28 October 2016.
  11. ↑ Volkswagen Teramont SUV For China is Similar to Atlas SUV. Accessed November 1,2016.
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