Rumour: VW to use new MQB A0 platform for emerging markets

Volkswagen is planning to develop a new platform for its cars in emerging markets such as India, China and Brazil.

This platform is believed to be a cross between the company's MQB and PQ architectures. Internally, it has been codenamed 'Emerging Market MQB A0'. With this hybrid platform, the Volkswagen Group aims to produce as many cars under the Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda brands in the shortest possible time without having to make huge investments.

The next-gen Vento, which Volkswagen is planning to introduce in 2018-19, is expected to be the first car to use this platform. This car could be called the Vento NF or Nach Folger, which means successor in German. All other vehicles of the Volkswagen group including the Polo, Skoda Rapid and some SUVs are expected to use it.

Volkswagen is yet to recover the investment on its existing platform (PQ) in India. While the company's sales in India have grown by 19% in the first seven months of this year, the company has been banking heavily on exports to recover its investments. 55-60% of the cars produced by the company are exported.

If Volkswagen is to bring the modular MQB structure to India, it will involve big investment. A mix of the MQB and PQ platforms is expected to keep the investment comparatively low.
Apart from the new platform, Volkswagen is also gearing up to introduce a new compact sedan in India. It is expected be in showrooms hitting the market by the 2016 festive season. It is expected to be manufactured at the company's plant in Chakan, Maharashtra.

Source: ET Auto

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