To achieve its objective, Volkswagen will employ four new architectures in which the MQB platform will be the cornerstone. This special platform will be utilized for small, lower-medium and upper medium models that would total to around 6 million units and believed to be ideal platform replacement for 20 models. The currently used platform is the VW PQ35/46 employed for 2.3 million units including the VW Golf.

An unnamed source said that the first model to use the new MQB platform could be introduced by 2010 as the next generation VW Touran. This was also what Ulrich Hackenberg, VW Board Member said but has not revealed the model, “MQB is planned for a broad application, from small cars up to and including upper-medium. The first model to emerge can be expected in 2010.”

Still part of the four architectures is the rear-engined MHB platform which is destined to form the basic structure for VW’s new small family of minicars. The Up! Concepts by the way are examples of this segment.

The Munich-based automaker has also a mid-engine sports car platform for the R8 and the Lamborghinis. And let’s just pray that the rumors on Bugatti offering more affordable models will be realized.

Another of the four platforms is the MLB platform with longitudinally mounted engines derived from Audi. Currently the MLB is utilized for the Audi A4 and A5 but according to Hackenberg it may also be used for models up to the largest units in the group including the A6 and A8 as well as the Phaeton and Bentley.

The objective of havng four platforms to cover every model in the VW Group is to reduce development costs by up to 40 percent. It will also enable Volkswagen to develop new and niche models that would quickly respond to the market demand.