A huge number of automotive concerns produces millions of cars annually, but many models that combine body design or a car class are similar to one another. The fact is that on highly objective reasons, the autobrades are much more profitable to use the already ready "base" to create new " iron horses" From the point of view of Finance, it would be where to overlayed the design of the platform for each car model on the planet, therefore, no matter how difficult it is to guess, mechanical engineering giants use already ready and proven "bases" created together. So it happened that the most popular car platforms Created in Japan and Germany, because the "bases" called MQB, C1, Nissan B, MC, NBC and A5 were created by the Germans and the Japanese.
In addition to the above-mentioned giants on the MQB car platform, Audi A3, Seat Leon and the legendary seventh generation golfing were built. As for Skoda, this concern used MQB for both Octavia and Superb. Both cars are released in the third generation. The potential of the base is not yet exhausted, so soon the following generation of Audi TT, Volkswagen Touran and Cuddy can be expected on the nearest car dealerships. We also wait for the new Seat Altea of \u200b\u200bthe second generation.
Ford C1 for the most popular Hatchbakes in Europe
As noted, the best car databases were developed in Europe and Asia. So in Cologne in 2003, a platform was constructed, called C1, which became native to Mazda for a long time, and, of course, Ford. When creating, all three auto giant participated, the qualities of which were taken into account first. For the Japanese, the most important aspect was the rigidity of the body, and the engineers of Volvo have already traditionally insisted on increased security. Even these two factors would have enough for a high-quality platform, but Ford added another characteristic. Since in the future the base was used for family minivan and the PARTNER, the Germans insisted on improving the indicators of loading and unloading operations. At the exit, buyers received the following models:
- Mazda 3, Mazda 5, Mazda CX-7;
Moreover, for cars of this brand, we can offer you to order a key for Mazda. It will help you to cope with any problem.
- Ford Focus C-Max, Focus of the Second Generation, Ford Cuga;
Interestingly, in 2006 the legendary Land Rover. Tested C1 on its second-generation freelender, slightly improving the design, adapting under the SUV.
Nissan B, A5 and Toyota MS - Main Competitors
The least will pay attention A5, because this platform is already obsolete. When we talked about MQB, we specifically forgot to mention A5, because all the same Skoda Octavia and Superbi, as well as some models of Audi and Volkswagen were built on this base. That's just MQB is already a more modern and technological design that allows engineers to solve more tasks when creating cars.
As for Nissan B, this platform gave the world more available cars. These include the Nissan Cube of the second and third generation, as well as the desired girls since 2002, Micra. In Europe, this base actively used Renault practically on all its models, up to Duster, published in 2010. In addition to the French, Nissan B is interested in Lada, the concern of which issued a Largus. By the way, the production of this model is still coming. The mistake would not mention the Toyota MC, because it is designed by all the favorite Toyota Camry and some Sedany Lexus. Only in 2010, thanks to one Camry, the cars on this platform were issued about two million units.
Hundreds of millions of dollars spend on the development of automotive platforms of the corporation. However, the payback of such projects is very high, which is confirmed by the annual number of sales.
Categories: , / / dated 05.03.2018Skeptics have long managed to complain - they passed those times when each car was unique, had his own character and charisma. These times were completed in the 90s, when globalization finally began to rule the world. Single time with a special look ended, and large United Corporations came to replace them, which is cheaper and easier to design, but immediately the line.
The concept of "platform" was very widely used, when different body is installed on one "cart" and a saturated lineup is obtained. Avto25.Ru decided to introduce his readers with this phenomenon on the example of one of the most successful developments of recent years - the B0 platform based on budget cars Concern Renault-Nissan, and now Lada.
What is included in the concept of "platform"? There is no exact answer, but usually the suspension design is understood under this word, the body structure of the body, the principle of the location of the elements. Length and width are not fundamental, they can be varied depending on the model, while maintaining a common scheme. On example, B0 is very clearly visible.
Platform B0.
Designer this platform began in 1998. Her father began to say so Renault Logan.for which it was developed. Logan became a new formation car. Before him the leading manufacturers did not come the idea that it was possible to make a modern, responsible for all safety standards, but at the same time cheap car, and sell it only in countries with undeveloped car market. Then this business idea was copied by many, but Logan was the first.
When designing, engineers had a difficult task - to lay the basic version of the car in the cost of 5,000 euros. It gave its own characteristics and platform that was developed for the model. Significantly saved due to two factors.
First, spare parts and elements from other RENAULT models were widely used. Despite the fact that the platform itself was new, the original parts were not so much in it. It turned out to be a plus - to develop new elements, it is not necessary to spend the funds, in addition, the expensive parts have already been "abandoned" the costs of design and fell, as well as silent diseases and can provide high reliability.
Secondly, during the design, expensive running layouts were not used - all calculations engineers produced on the computer. This inspired the concern that the car would have congenital problems associated with the promahs of engineers, but did without them. On the contrary, car suspension on the platform B0 is famous for a very good set of characteristics, without pronounced minuses.
The design of the suspension on the example of Sandero
Naturally, the design of the car designed as part of a small budget simply could not have some revelations. No multi-dimensions and twisted suspension - everything is very simple and cheap: Front McPherson rack, rear - semi-dependent beam, engines are located across, drive - front. However, here the engineers laid themselves for maneuver, about which we still say.
Here, in suchcading, the Logan was larded, which appeared in 2004. The car was waiting for mad success worldwide. She was sold under the brands Dacia, Nissan, Mahindra, the name Renault is used in Russia. After Logan has dealt with huge circulations, the company thought that a successful platform could be used to expand the line of budget vehicles.
In 2007 appeared hatchback Sandero., in 2010 - crossover Duster.. In the first case, it cost almost without changes to the platform. It only slightly rooted, reducing wheel base. The remaining elements remained unchanged. Duster is a different thing, as in any way, but still a crossover. Suspension strengthened (although general scheme It remained the same), increased clearance, and in addition, they came up with all-wheel drive implementations. Here, constructive "stocks" were useful: next to the transmission there was a place for the dispandate, under the bottom I loosely a Cardan, and rear suspension Instead of the beam, received a bridge, becoming independent. It is not surprising that when in 2014 it was time for the modernization of Logan, it did not give up the B0 platform, and the changes touched first of all the body and the cabin.
Renault Duster.
In 2012, the light saw the minivans of Dacia Lodgy and Dacia Dokker, not presented in Russia. They are based on the elongated version of the B0 platform, further reinforced for use in commercial transport. In Russia, these cars would certainly wait for success, but they are not talking about their localization and delivery.
In parallel with the brands of Dacia and Renault, the B0 platform is used in cars Nissan.. However, this is not exactly the platform. Cars under the Japanese brand are more expensive, so engineers are not very stronger in the means. Because of which the Nissanov version received a number of features. But, in general, we can assume that the B0 platform produces such cars as Nissan Cube, Nissan Tiida, Nissan Bluebird Sylphy, Nissan Note, Nissan Wingroad, Nissan Livina Geniss, Nissan NV200.
In Russia, the platform B0 gained the second life after AvtoVAZ bought a license from the Renault-Nissan concern. Many this seemed an imposed solution from the concern, which by that time owned 25% of AvtoVAZ shares, but in reality, the purchase turned out to be successful. Togliatti took a wagon based on Logan and prepared the Largus model, which differs from the original only the front bumper, and more powerful front levers. Spacious universal, which is also a little cheaper than the original Logan, is in great demand.
Renault Logan in context
In addition, AvtoVAZ bought not only the right to use the platform, but also has the opportunity to refine it. So, already talk about modifications with Togliatti engines and gearboxes. Platform it allows. And there, you see, other versions will appear.
Another car on the platform B0 from Togliatti became Nissan Almera.. This is a stateput in the best traditions of Logan. For its production, the extended version of the platform was used (and it is its original version), which allowed the car to grow noticeably in size. But the general scheme of the company remained the same, even the motors and transmissions are not used by Nissanovsky, but the original Renovsky.
Nissan Almera.
It is unlikely to be surprised by the popularity of cars on this platform in our country. It is literally created for Russia. Machines on B0 can not boast a very high smoothness of the stroke, honed controllability or lack of rolls in turns, but differ with an omnivorous suspension, which successfully resists broken roads, relative to maintainable and have simple design. Yes, and reliability is very good. For Russia, these qualities are much more important. A significant role is also played by the price, because all the listed cars are relatively inexpensive.
Lada Largus.
Perhaps not all this is aware of, but Renault Logan, Lada Largus and Nissan Almera are not very different from each other. For some, it is a minus, because the choice of original original cars is reduced, but the development of the car industry in the last few decades is indicated precisely on this path - the total base on which the mass of models is manufactured. And you can not do anything about it.
Today on automotive market The most severe competition between automakers. And only one who can respond faster to the wishes of buyers and market trends can win it.
In addition, it is necessary to offer high-quality and multifunctional machine, but for moderate funds. All this allows you to achieve the so-called platform. Today, this concept entered the use of automotive concerns and became very popular. What is the car platform?
Car platform
Car platform It is a set of main components of components, constructive solutions, developments, as well as components for creating a car, on the basis of which various models are built.
Their use is very beneficial to autocontrases, as it allows you to unify release different models And even brands, which significantly reduces the cost of construction.
Car platform is not some clear and fixed set. constructive elements. Different platforms have significant differences in unified solutions and parts of the car.
However, there is still a totality of elements that in most cases are necessarily included in the platform. First, it is the components power Structure Body machine. This includes the back and front of the bottom. After all, they not only remove the impact energy during accidents, but also the base for mounting other key elements of the machine - power aggregate, body panels, suspension, steering, etc.
Architecture I. constructive features Pendants are also unified for promotional models. It remains only the last setting and adaptation of the suspension for a specific modification of the car, which includes different thickness of the springs, the characteristics of the shock absorbers, stabilizers, etc.
The line of motors is also usually included in the platform. Therefore, most often, it is a wide range of engines - from low-power to volumetric and "turbocharged fellows".
Gearboxes also enter the list of mandatory elements. Most often manufacturers develop a pair mechanical transmissions and several automatic gearboxes that allow you to maximize the possibilities of their use.
Interestingly, some concerns for their platforms are developing even small details, for example, a frame frame. Because the unification of the car is very high.
"A life" automotive platform lasts in different ways. It all depends on the successfulness of the design. It happens that even two generations of one model have time to release on one platform, as it was with the Volkswagen Golf car fifth and sixth generation.
(Typography Legend_Blue) As for the Volkswagen concern, then they are more than a dozen of their four-brain cars produced on the PQ35 platform.
Renault has some of its own cars on the platform B0, among them Popular Renault Logan / Sandero, Renault Duster. (/ Typography)
Sometimes autocontraceans, having received a maximum of its "brainchild", send it to subsidiaries to produce more budget models. In general, once by developing a car platform, automakers are trying to "squeeze all the juices from it." Then the unnecessary platform simply goes into oblivion.
(TYPOGRAPHY PRE_RED) Pros and cons of automotive platforms (/ typo)
Finally, we note the main "pros" and "minuses" of the use of automotive platforms.
The advantages include:
(TYPOGRAPHY LIST_NUMBER_BULLET_BLUE) 1. A significant reduction in financial and temporary embezzlement into new models; || 2. The ability to perform immediately in several segments of the car market; || 3. Reducing the diversity of parts, due to which their highest quality is achieved; || 4. More productive use of power plants. (/ Typography)
The minuses include:
(Type_Number_Bullet_red) 1. Significant reduction in differences between different models Auto; || 2. The complexity of making follow-up changes in the design; || 3. Reducing perception of expensive cars; || 4. When identifying constructive flaws or defect, you have to carry out a massive review covering several machine brands. (/ Typography)
Car platform
Tough competition in the automotive market makes manufacturers intensively post all new and new models. Success is determined not only by competent marketing, but also by successful design developments. All the modernization is exposed: from design to the platform.
Purpose of automotive platform
It is believed that the car platform is the sum of all blocks and assemblies based on typical design developments manufactured using a certain, well-developed technology.
The appointment of the platform is the maliciation of the production process and components. This reduces costs, increase seriality, raise the level of production optimization.
Car platform
At the same time, the platform is not an absolutely rigid system in terms of set of components and requirements. Developers actively can make changes and necessary additions to it. But still there are details that are not corrected and constitute a basic set in the platform. Here you can select several essential elements.
- First of all, these are parts of the car. These include the front and rear section of the bottom. They are not only buffer zones with random collisions on the highway, but also the base part for fastening the rest of the main nodes: engine, suspension, steering column, etc.
- Unification is subject to suspension design. Only its adjustment is made to adapt to a specific modification of a car having another characteristic of the stabilizer, the power springs of the shock absorber, etc.
- The car platform also includes a line of engines. It is a modular row of motors different.
- Mandatory nodes include gearboxes. Usually manufacturers have two or three projects of transmission mechanisms complete with gearboxes automatic switching. Various combinations of these nodes allow you to significantly increase the model range.
- Many autocorporations consider it worth it to develop small parts of the platform. Even the scene frame may have a high degree of unification.
How many platforms live for cars
The dates of the vital activity of various platforms and their fate are sometimes unexpected. For example, the "Volkswagen" concern about ten models of four grades produces using one PQ35 platform.
But it happens that concerns, squeezing everything, sell the platform to subsidiaries to the production of car models of social character. Exhausting the resource of variability, the car platform finishes its existence. Now she can meet only in museums, in garages from auto returns or on the pages of autoshaws in retro sections.
Museum exhibit
For the completeness of information about car platforms, it is worth touching their advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits
- reduction of costs for the design development of a new range of models;
- reduction of time costs for reference to the production process when moving to the release of a new model;
- the possibility of rapid coagulation and transformation of production from one enterprise to another;
- wide coverage of various sectors of the car market (budget, sports, business class);
- an increase in product quality with a parallel decrease in the range of components.
disadvantages
- disappearance of features between cars and the appearance of twins with different names;
- the absence of the design reform of the platform to use certain elements;
- difficulty in the assessment when expensive cars perceived as a cheap model;
- the high probability of returning the car due to platform defect.
In the end, I would like to add that the recently produced by experts analysis of the autoinadustry market revealed an unexpected tendency on it. As a result of the last economic crisis, several battered automotive industry tend to abandon the concept of technological autotoplatform.
Manufacturers are also heated and the adjacent consumer, actively looking for new items. And currently existing technology will be bonus in an attempt to quickly satisfy the whims of the automotive fashion. Alternative to platforms - modular structures, more flexible and promptly responding to market whims.
Practice of using key nodes and units developed both for global models in the framework of one automotive concern and for cars different manufacturers, began to be applied relatively recently, but every year more and more developers passenger cars, Announces its new items as absolutely unique models, actually use the basic platform of other constructors.
It would seem that such an approach is among the advantages in terms of creating new cars if it were not for one "but". So, in the platform, which has become the base in the development of dozens and even hundreds of machines, will be revealed by any flaw, and this will turn out with huge financial losses immediately for several automakers. Take, for example, so-called, Concern Volkswagen - a scandal that happened after it turned out that over 11 million copies diesel carsproduced worldwide, equipped with electronics, running during car testing harmful substances In exhaust many times. In addition to multi-billion fines, Volkswagen lost a significant part in the value of its shares, not to mention the unsuitable damage caused by the authority of the German brand.
The application of new solutions on the platforms currently used eliminates the installation of defective elements, because it can lead to a real catastrophe even for the most famous automakers. Justice for sake, it should be noted that modern cars Designed with special emphasis on a high level of reliability of components, in view of which quality control is one of the key stages of designing, developing and serial release of machines. Nevertheless, even the most famous brands are not insured against errors.
Since the principle of using a single platform for several models of machines continues to be implemented, everything is extensive, the more interesting will get acquainted with the models that today have already saved or continue to go from the conveyor.
GM E2xx OT $21,680
The E2XX platform is the development of the second generation, replacing the Epsilon platform developed by the concern. It was developed in order to reduce the total mass of the car, including already produced models without changing their main specifications. In effect on the machines built on the E2XX base, the engines changed and updated the interior. As a rule, before removing from production, a successful car platform is experiencing upgrades, and sometimes not the only one. Thus, on the basis of the E2XX base, two more derivatives were developed - C1xx and P2xx, of which the second represents the extended version of the original version. It was the P2XX platform that was based on the newest version Chevrolet Impala I. Buick Lacrosse. 2017 model year.
Another feature of most modern car platforms is that on their basis, in addition to the initial sedans, more expensive, and functional crossovers are constructed. All the same E2XX served as the basis for new products such as Chevrolet Traverse, Cadillac XT5 or Buick Enclave.
Volkswagen Group D1 from € 70,000
Fourth generation D-platform from concern Vag. Used to create the flagship model of the Volkswagen brand - representation sedan Phaeton. I must say that the shot recently with the production of Faeton was the biggest and expensive car model row Volkswagen.. Working out the D4 platform, German designers used the most successful platform technology D3.
Another equally outstanding model designed on this platform has become premium Sedan Bentley. But if the price tag on the most expensive car in the Volkswagen lineup, which was the exception of the German manufacturer's massive models, began with a mark of 100 thousand euros, the initial price of Bentley, who was considered the nearest "relative" of Phaeton, started from the € 200 thousand.
By the way, in addition to borrowing the Volkswagen platform, engineers used on their cars and motors, the development of the concern VAG - under the hood of the Continental GT model, the same 8-cylinder V-shaped motors were installed, which were equipped with AUDI models.
Volkswagen Group MQB from $ 19,895
Today, the MQB platform is called the prospect of the coming years in the construction of cars under Volkswagen brand. And we are talking about both compact urban hatchbacks and spacious sedans. Already very soon, MQB will be replaced by three now used engineers. Volkswagen platforms. And only such models like pickup amarok., Medium-sized Southwood Touareg and Crafter Van will be based on a different basis. As for the MQB platform, it is primarily used for the most accessible of everything. model Row Volkswagen Hatchback Polo, the new generation of which was noticeably added in size, compared to the machine for the previous generation.
Perhaps most of all the unification of automotive bases affects absolutely different carslocated in opposite price categories. In addition to the polo already sold in Europe, Skoda Octavia is put on the MQB platform, the latest version of Volkswagen Golf, as well as more serious car - Roadster Audi TT RS. It is noteworthy that new golf In Europe, it is sold for € 18.850, while the price of "related" Audi TT, built on a single platform, will exceed € 69 thousand.
Volkswagen Group MLB2 from $ 34,900
Another example from the concern VAG is the MLB2 EVO platform. The presented development is a visual example of how car engineers can integrate single components for absolutely different cars. The upgraded version of MLB2 EVO was used when creating premium SUV. . But, perhaps, few people can come to mind when looking at sedan Audi. A4. last generation and the prestigious Bentley Bentayga whose value exceeds A4 mail at six (!) Times that these two are not friend On a friend, the models rest on the same platform. And it despite the fact that almost all components of the body and other structural elements in cars are different.
Ford CD4Ford CD4 from $ 22,120
Another famous developer regularly producing universal platforms to create different machines is the Ford Concern. In particular, today, many models of the Lincoln brand are based on the Ford Platform, and this approach suits the management of both companies. Obviously, the period when Ford Motor owned such brands like British Aston Martin., swedish Volvo. Or British Jaguar -, went to the benefit of the American concern, because it is for this period of time one of the most successful developments of the Blue Oval engineers. So, for example, the last of the most famous developments of Ford - the EUCD platform, was used not only for the former generation of sedans Ford Mondeo.But for several models of Volvo.
The EUCD platform has become the basis for popular S60 and S80 sedans, as well as for V60 and V70 models. Subsequently, having survived a serious upgrade, this platform has become the basis for creating the most popular crossover Range Rover Evoque.
