VW plans to triple MQB output to 7 million by 2018 - Report

Unlikely to be localized in India.

Europe's largest car manufacturer Volkswagen is targeting to manufacture 7 million cars per annum based on the MQB architecture by 2018. By the end of 2016, the company plans to make 4 million MQB cars per annum.

Currently, the MQB technology is found on cars as small as the new Golf, to those as sportive as the new Audi TT. Reports say that the next generation VW Polo for Europe will also make use of this platform.

Apart from providing a basis to speed up new product developments, or enable more parts sharing between models, the MQB architecture also helps the manufacturer cut import and export costs: All MQB-equipped plants will be able to manufacture every MQB model.

Currently in the Indian market, the VW Group sells MQB-based cars like the Skoda Octavia and the Audi A3 Sedan. These cars, and future launches like the new Skoda Superb and new VW Passat, are assembled through CKD kits. VW India's Chakan plant in Pune is not equipped to manufacture MQB-based products.

Also read: VW India's compact sedan to launch in 2016, Auto Expo debut likely

Sources say that VW India has no plans to manufacture this platform. Instead, the company is working on a low-cost version of the MQB for developing markets like India and Brazil. The successors to the Polo and Vento are the main candidates to benefit from this future platform, add sources.

[Source - Just Auto]