Platform
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It appears Saab is relatively safe from going bankrupt in the immediate future, with the automaker announcing today the establishment of a new sub-assembly plant less than two miles from its main car plant in Trollhattan, Sweden. The plant is being established in partnership with automotive parts supply giant ZF and will supply front sub-frames and complete rear axle assemblies for installation in the next generation of Saab cars. Large sub-frame pressings will be stamped out at the Trollhattan plant and taken to the new sub-assembly plant where they will be welded together and fitted with...
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New Saab ‘Phoenix’ Platform Will Spawn Multiple ModelsAt this week’s 2011 Geneva Motor Show Saab unveiled its new PhoeniX concept, a preview of the automaker’s future styling direction and technologies. As stunning, and controversial, as the new concept is, one of its key technology previews, however, cannot be seen. We’re talking...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Report: Next-Gen Zeta Platform To Underpin New Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac Sedans
General Motors’ rear-wheel drive Zeta platform was pioneered in Australia for the locally built Holden Commodore sedan but right from the start Detroit had global intentions for the design. Today, Zeta running gear can be found in models sold in China, South Korea, the UK, and in North...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Report: Maserati And Alfa Romeo To Share New Rear-Wheel Drive Platform
Alfa Romeo already uses a modified version of the Maserati GranTurismo’s platform for its stunning 8C Competizione sports car but if a new report proves true we could be seeing several more rear-wheel drive Alfas riding on Maserati mechanicals. Under the watchful eye of parent company Fiat...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Jaguar And Land Rover To Share Platforms
Under the guidance of new boss Carl-Peter Forster, Jaguar and Land Rover will work closely together to cut their combined lineup of vehicle platforms from the current six to just two over the next several years. The move will see the unlikely scenario of the next-generation Range Rover luxury SUV...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Report: BMW Looking To Co-Develop Next-Gen MINI Platform With Rival Automaker
BMW has been seeking a partner to co-develop a brand new platform for its future small cars for the past couple of years, with rival automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Fiat most recently linked to the German luxury automaker. While nothing substantial has materialized on those fronts, the vice...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
China's state-run Guangzhou Automobile Group, which also builds cars for Honda under the Li Nian brand name, has purchased Alfa Romeo's 166 platform. The Italian carmaker last used the platform to build a sedan which was discontinued in early 2007. The purchase presages the company's efforts to develop its own brand, according to Automotive News Europe. Currently the company is primarily focused on producing vehicles for Honda, including the Odyssey, Accord and Jazz/Fit for the local Chinese market. Some of the Jazz vehicles are exported to Europe, however, meaning the company's quality of...
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GM’s Kappa Gives Birth To The Saturn Sky And Opel GT
Platform sharing seems to be the route most car manufacturers are taking in these days of parts rationalization and cost cutting. Just as General Motors Company's [NYSE:GM] Zeta platform will give birth to the new Camaro and GTO (here’s hoping), the American auto giant's smaller rear-drive...
Alex Kaufmann
