Volkswagen’s parts-sharing strategy to begin with new Audi A3 next year
By Jonathan, 20 Dec, 2011. 0 Comments
Audi A3 Sedan Concept
Volkswagen AG will start its biggest technology revamp in almost 20 years when it overhauls the Audi A3 in 2012. The compact Audi will have the first of at least 40 models that will use a set of standardized parts such as steering columns, chassis and axles. According to analysts, sharing components all throughout the brands like Seat, VW and Skoda may lower costs by 5 billion euros or $6.5 billion annually, even with the risks of a repeat of recalls that staggered Toyota Motor Corp. Analyst Christoph Stuermer at Frankfurt-based IHS Automotive explained that one may get hit by an "epidemic plague" if something goes wrong. He further stated that the more related the structures, the higher the risk of "contagion."
The technology is developed for utilization in as many as 3.5 million small and mid-sized vehicles annually. This will help Volkswagen's plan to be the most profitable and largest vehicle manufacturer in the world by 2018, outperforming General Motors Co and Toyota. The company forecasts it will slash assembly times by 30 percent and reduce production costs by 20 percent.
The company's method is more aggressive compared to the industry-standard components sharing scheme. Meanwhile, BMW AG disclosed it will reduce the cost of building the bestselling 3-Series sedan, which will be available in showrooms in February, by 7 percent to 9 percent through the use of auto parts from the midsize 5-Series and 1-Series compact. [source: Autonews]
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