Volkswagen Expands Parts Sharing Across Platforms Despite The Risks

Volkswagen AG will kick off its biggest technology overhaul in almost two decades when Europe's largest carmaker revamps the Audi A3 next year.

The compact Audi will mark the first of more than 40 models that will use a set of standardized components such as axles, steering columns and chassis.

Sharing parts across brands such as VW, Skoda and Seat may lower costs by 5 billion euros ($6.5 billion) a year, even as it risks a repeat of recalls that hobbled Toyota Motor Corp., analysts said.



Read Article

chewy - 12/20/2011 1:09:22 PM

+1 Boost

Lots of speculation in the article. Having several common platforms underpinning multiple models isn't new to VW and is not new to other manufacturers as well. VW hasn't had problems in the past so they are expanding what they have been doing in the past.

Agent009 - 12/20/2011 1:17:19 PM

0 Boost

The biggest issue for the public to deal with is that recalls will be MUCH larger and damaging when a common component is affecting numerous brands and models.

As Toyota found out the hard way, all it takes one supplier with a bad part to bring you down across the board.