German car maker Volkswagen has announced plans to revolutionise the way they make cars with the introduction of what they term a Modular Transverse Matrix.
The German acronym for Modular Transverse Matrix is MQB and it stands for Modularer Querbaukasten and Volkswagen claim that it will represent a ‘turning point in the design and production of future automobiles’ by introducing transverse-mounted engines. Volkswagen aim to introduce the new system across all of their brands, which as well as Volkswagen also include Audi, ŠKODA and SEAT brands.
The Modular Transverse Matrix means that across the Volkswagen brand there is likely to be a uniform mounting position of all their engines. Through the introduction of a new modular petrol engine system and further developments in both petrol and diesel engine systems available across the range, Volkswagen claim that the new designs will reduce the group’s engine and gearbox variants in the MQB system by approximately 90 per cent.
The introduction of MQB also enables an identical mounting position for alternative drive concepts too, including natural gas and hybrid versions, as well as a purely electric drive vehicle.
In recognition of this innovative technology Volkswagen was selected as one of five finalists for the ‘Innovation Award of the German Economy – The World’s First Innovation Award’ for the Modular Transverse Matrix. The award is given annually for ‘outstanding technical, scientific and intellectual achievements’ by the Economics Club of Rhein-Main.
MQB covers the following Volkswagen models: Polo, Beetle, Golf, Scirocco, Jetta, Tiguan, Touran, Sharan, Passat and Volkswagen CC. Volkswagen are excited about the new design system as it will allow them to standardise many vehicle components so that different cars could, in theory, all be produced on the same assembly line, despite having different wheelbases and track widths.
So the introduction of MQB is likely to reduce the cost of production for Volkswagen significantly, particularly when creating different model variants, such as left and right hand drive cars. With highly reduced and competitive production costs, will the savings then be passed down to car buyers?
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