Audi A3 to use the same platform as the Golf 7

Nothing new here, AUDI and VW have been doing this for years now just like Toyota and Lexus, Infinity and Nissan, GM and Ford and all their divisions. This is how all these car companies stay PROFITABLE regardless of country of origin.

... and yet Audi/VW remain the fastest growing manufacturers in the world, closing on #1 on sales. Having past MB in global sales, taken US market share from all 3 Japanese brands in the US as well as from BMW and MB (in that order).

It will not be too long before others copy Audi. There was a time when BMW swore never to use AWD, a time when they would never use turbos or FWD...a time when they would never share platforms or buy other brands in order to expand.... yet here we are, BMW and others are suffering from Audi-Copy mania.
Now everyone is in on the AWD fiesta as well as the lightweight chassis started by the aluminum ASF A8, the front grill integration, and not to forget the LED eyebrow copy-cat fest!
Its not surprising with all the Car of the Years, year after year, top engine designs, top sports car of the year, win after win of 24LM and Spa, and GT...that Audi is leading the luxury market.

There is something to be said for both arguments, that is that it is cost effective to share platforms, and that it cheapens a luxury brand. I personally enjoy the fact that BMWs are not just trumped up XYZ branded cars like the Audi brand is according to this article. I even heard an Audi salesman tell me that their product is not sharing platforms with VW. HA! Price difference for a shared platform Audi should be rather minimal if all you are paying for is fluff then.