Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen to build 7 million MQB cars by 2018

VW wants to more than triple its output of versatile MQB-based cars before the end of the decade

Volkswagen has confirmed its intention to make and sell more than seven million MQB-based cars by 2018. It currently manufactures around two million MQB models each year, with plans to more than triple its output by the end of the decade.

The MQB platform – which underpins a variety of cars across the Volkswagen Group – is set to expand over the coming years, with an increasing number of variants using the scalable product architecture.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Currently, everything from the Mk7 VW Golf to the new Audi TT uses MQB, with plans for smaller cars such as the next Polo – as well as bigger models like the US-only Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV – set to join the line-up soon. We also learnt that the all-new seven-seat Touran will also use an MQB setup when it goes on sale later this year.

By using the versatile and flexible chassis, Volkswagen can dramatically reduce costs and introduce big car features into more mainstream models. As a result, the new Touran isn’t expected to cost any more than the current car – despite being offered with kit such as Apple CarPlay, more efficient engines and a new modular infotainment system.

Dr Heinz-Jacob Neusser, board member for VW R&D, said: “Without MQB it’s not possible for us to keep the price constant from the previous one, while putting more technology inside the car. We call it the MQB effect.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

“This is what we said when we started with the new Golf. Wait some time and MQB will bring the costs down. The platform is everything – it’s steering, it’s braking, the powertrains – all these things are platform.”

In fact, the adaptability of the MQB chassis also helps meet varying market demand and cut model waiting lists. Due to the relative simplicity of the setup, any one VW Group factory can shut down its Golf production in favour of TT, or switch from Touran to Octavia – almost overnight.

It reduces import and export costs, too – with all MQB-equipped factories capable of making each different MQB model. VW’s European plants, for example, have the ability to produce exactly the same cars as the group’s Chinese factories – and vice versa – reducing the need to ship individual models thousands of miles across the globe.

The plans to reach seven million cars by 2018 may sound ambitious, but as more models come to the end of their lifecycle and adopt MQB for their next iteration, Volkswagen will need to ramp up production around the world. Across VW, Audi, Skoda and SEAT, the company already intends to piece together four million MQB-based models annually by the end of 2016.

What do you think of VW’s plan for domination of the global car market? Would it put you off buying a sports car or SUV, if you knew it was based on a Volkswagen Golf?

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the our team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming in 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024 - header image
Best cars & vans

Best new cars coming in 2024

There are some big new models from the likes of BMW, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
12 Mar 2024
New Volkswagen Tayron spotted as seven-seat alternative to the Tiguan
Volkswagen Tayron (camouflaged) - front action
News

New Volkswagen Tayron spotted as seven-seat alternative to the Tiguan

Volkswagen had initially sold the Tayron exclusively in China but it’ll come to Europe later this year
22 Feb 2024
Volkswagen ChatGPT to gain ‘level 2’ software update later this year
Steve Fowler in the Volkswagen Golf facelift at CES
News

Volkswagen ChatGPT to gain ‘level 2’ software update later this year

A ‘two-way conversation’ will soon be possible with your new Volkswagen
21 Feb 2024
Match of the day! Volkswagen Match trim returns in range-wide value boost
Volkswagen ID.7 Pro Match - front tracking
News

Match of the day! Volkswagen Match trim returns in range-wide value boost

Match specification is now available on 10 models in the VW line-up, including the new Tiguan and ID.7 flagship EV
30 Jan 2024

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024