Looking for the right niche

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PAGE 18 · www.autonewseurope.com
January 22, 2007
Guide to New Model Development
Looking for the right niche
Peugeot, Citroen, Renault and Ford of Europe will enter a segment
that has long been dominated by Asian automakers.
But high-volume launches will still be crucial for at least three other
automakers in the next two years. The new Mercedes-Benz C class will
be a key launch this year, as will the debut of the Peugeot 308,
Ford Mondeo and Opel/Vauxhall Vectra.
Fiat’s Bravo is one of three launches for the carmaker in 2007.
“I don’t know how many of our competitors will enjoy such a new
product momentum,” said Fiat brand Vice President Luca De Meo.
On this page and Page 19, we provide annual production targets,
plus design and technology details for models due to arrive in European showrooms within the next two years.
Computer illustration: C. Schulte
In an industry dominated by large volumes, automakers are
increasingly adding niche models to their lineups. Before the end of
the decade, at least eight European automakers will launch vehicles
with projected volumes of less than 100,000 units.
Audi leads the way with three key niche products – the entry-premium
A1, A5 coupe and Q5 premium SUV. And in the medium SUV class,
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
Code-name: AU210
Market launch: Summer 2009
Platform: Three are under consideration:
PQ35 assembled with PQ34 parts;
PW35; and A000, a platform that will be
used on VW group’s low-cost cars
Development notes: Successor to the
A2, which Audi stopped making in 2005
Technology: Direct-injection diesel and
gasoline engines, dual-clutch
transmission and possible all-wheel drive
Where built: Brussels, Belgium
Production target: 60,000 a year in
2009; 100,000 a year by 2011
Code-name: 920
Market launch: September
Platform: Evolution of Maserati coupe
platform with shortened wheelbase
Technology: Carbon fiber body on a
steel chassis; first rear-drive Alfa in
12 years; V-8 engine from Maserati was
upgraded from 4.2 liters to 4.7 liters and
from 400hp to 450hp
Key suppliers: Brembo, Bose, Magneti
Marelli, Pirelli, Poltrona Frau
Where built: Maserati’s plant in Modena,
Italy (2 units a day)
Production target: 500
Computer illustration: C. Schulte
Code-name: AU484/PLQ48
Market launch: Summer
Platform: PL/PQ48
Development notes: Styling cues shared
with the Nuvolari and Shooting Brake
concepts; platform shared with the
next-generation A4 and VW’s
forthcoming four-door coupe
Technology: Soft-top convertible
version due in 2008, eventually replacing
the A4 convertible; transmission choices
will include a six-speed manual and
automatic and a new version of Audi’s
dual-clutch transmission; engine moved
further back to reduce front overhang
weight and help with the front-rear
weight balance
Where built: Ingolstadt, Germany
Production target: 26,000 a year in
2007, increasing to 37,000 in 2008
Audi Q5
Code-name: AU416
Market launch: Spring 2008
Platform: PL48
Development notes: Platform features
elements from next A4; engines
mounted longitudinally to allow
for 4.2-liter V-8
Technology: Aluminum chassis and
active suspension systems; one-touch
MMI entertainment/navigation system
Where built: Ingolstadt, Germany
Production target: 80,000 a year in 2009
Fiat Bravo
Code-name: 955
Market launch: End of 2008
Project leader: Mauro Pierallini
Platform: Evolution of the Small
platform, which also underpins the Fiat
Grande Punto and Linea and
Opel/Vauxhall Corsa
Development notes: Arrival of the
Junior will allow Alfa to stop making a
three-door version of the 147 when the
car is replaced in 2009
Technology: The car will debut the
1.8-liter, 200hp, turbocharged gasoline
direct-injection engine from Fiat
Powertrain Technologies
Interesting background: For more than
a decade, Alfa discussed whether to
make a entry-level small car; the success
of the Mini convinced it to move forward
Where built: Turin
Production target: Up to 75,000 a year
Computer illustration: C. Schulte
Audi A5
Alfa Romeo Junior
Code-name: 198
Market launch: February
Project leader: Gianfranco Romeo
Platform: Compact (modified version of
Fiat C-frame first used to underpin the
Fiat Stilo in 2001)
Development notes: Fiat cooperated
with Magna Steyr of Austria to get the
car ready for market in 18 months;
no prototypes were built; only offered as
5-door hatchback; station wagon
arrives in 2010
Technology: Blue&Me infotainment
system with navigation system in which
maps are loaded into the car
using a USB connector
Key suppliers: Automotive Lighting,
Bosch, Comau, Denso, Johnson Controls,
KSS, Lear, Magna Steyr, Magneti Marelli,
Meridian, SG Plastic/Gruppo Prima, TRW
Where built: Cassino, Italy
Production target: 120,000 to 160,000
a year
Citroen C-Crosser
Fiat Linea
Ford CUV (concept shown)
Market launch: July 2007
Project leader: Philippe Bacquet
Platform: C-segment (developed by
Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler)
Design: Adapted from design done by
Mitsubishi’s Olivier Boulay and Akinori
Nakanishi for Mitsubishi Outlander
Where built: Mizushima, Japan
Production target: 15,000
Code-name: 110
Market launch: June in Turkey; Brazil,
China, India and Russia will follow within
24 months
Project leader: Mauro Pierallini
Platform: Small, which also underpins the
Grande Punto and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa
Development notes: Lower medium-sized
sedan created from small-car platform
Key suppliers: A-Plas, Autoliv, B-Plas,
Beycelik, Robert Bosch, Ficosa, Martur,
Matay, Magneti Marelli, Tamcam,
Tiberyna, Thyssen Krupp
Where built: Bursa, Turkey
Technology: First Fiat with 1.6-liter
gasoline engine developed and built by
Chery Automobile in China
Production target: More than 200,000
worldwide
Market launch: 2008
Platform: C1 (also used on Focus, Focus
C-Max, Volvo S40 and V50, Mazda3)
Key technology: Will offer front-wheel
and four-wheel drive versions
Where built: Saarlouis, Germany
BMW X6
Code-name: E71
Market launch: 2008
Platform: Same as X5 premium SUV
Development notes: The X6 will be a
four-door SUV with a coupe-like roofline;
heavily based on platform sibling the X5
Where built: Spartanburg,
South Carolina, USA
Production target: 40,000 a year
Computer illustration: C. Schulte
Computer illustration: C. Schulte
Audi A1
BMW Space-Functional Concept
Code-name: F07
Launch: 2009
Platform: modular large-car platform,
based on next-generation 7 series
Development notes: The car will have a
new interior concept similar to a minivan,
but it not be as tall as a typical minivan; the
program, originally called E62, has been
delayed and tweaked
Where built: Dingolfing, Germany
Production target: 50,000 a year
Fiat 500
Code-name: 312
Market launch: September
Project leader: Mauro Pierallini
Platform: Mini, which also underpins
Fiat Panda
Development notes: 500 is more than
100mm shorter than the Panda, but
keeps the same 2300mm wheelbase;
500 shares platform, suspension and
powertrain with second-generation
Ford Ka
Key suppliers: Autoliv, Automotive
Lighting, Bosch, Delphi, Denso, Johnson
Controls, Magneti Marelli, Pilkington,
Plastal, Standard Profil, TRW
Where built: Tychy, Poland
Technology: All engines will meet Euro
5 emission rules due in September 2009
Production target: 120,000 to 180,000
a year
Hyundai Arnejs (concept shown)
Code-name: FD
Market launch: Late 2007 (Korean-built
models)
Development notes: Developed in
Rüsselsheim; engines will come from
Hyundai-Kia plant in Zilina, Slovakia
Designer: Tom Bürkle
Where built: Korea (initially); Nosovice,
Czech Republic, starting in 2009
Ford Mondeo
Market launch: Spring
Project Leader: Jens Ludmann
Platform: C/D (also used on S-Max and
Galaxy)
Where built: Genk, Belgium
Production target: 150,000 a year
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January 22, 2007
Computer illustration: C. Schulte
Guide to New Model Development
Lancia Delta HPE (concept shown)
Mercedes GLK
Code-name: 844
Market launch: Summer 2008
Project leader: Simone Rosetta
Platform: Compact (also used by Fiat
Bravo but wheelbase will be stretched
100mm to 2700mm)
Development notes: To reach break
even at just 45,000 units, Lancia will use
many parts from the Bravo including the
windshield and the front door frame;
right-hand-drive versions will be made
so Lancia can return to UK and Japan for
the first time since 2003
Technology: All gasoline and diesel
engines will be turbocharged; outputs
range from 120hp to 220hp
Key suppliers: Adler Group, Automotive
Lighting, Robert Bosch, Comau, Denso,
Johnson Controls, KSS, Lear, Magneti
Marelli, Meridian, SG Plastic/Gruppo
Prima, TRW
Where built: Cassino, Italy
Production target: 70,000 to 80,000
a year
Photo: Hans G. Lehmann
Code-name: SUT204
Market launch: Summer 2008
Platform: C class wagon/W204
Development notes: Mercedes still
considering two different front grilles
Technology: All-new platform and a
“direct control chassis” that promises
less body roll, quicker response and
more direct steering
Where built: Bremen, Germany
Production target: 80,000 a year
in 2009
Where built: Wolfsburg, Germany
(Auto 5000)
Production target: 110,000 a year
in 2008
Porsche Panamera
Skoda Fabia
Market launch: mid-2009
Platform: 970
Designer: Michael Mauer
Technology: Steel-aluminum body;
possible optional hybrid powertrain
Where built: Leipzig, Germany
Production target: More than 20,000
a year
Code-name: SK250
Market launch: Spring
Project leader: Harald Ludanek
Designers: Thomas Ingenlath and
Jens Manske
Platform: PQ35
Development notes: To save costs, car
keeps same platform as current model;
launch will start with the hatchback,
station wagon will be added later
Technology: Greater use of plastics
in front for pedestrian protection,
increasing the car’s total length
Key suppliers: Alcoa Fujikura, Cadence
Innovation, JCI
Where built: Mlada Boleslav
VW Scirocco (concept shown)
Code-name: VW456
Market launch: August
Designer: Under Robert Lesnik
Code-name: X91
Market launch: Q4 2007
Project leader: Frederic Artaud
Platform: Further development of
upper-medium platform
Key technology: Possible four-wheel
steering
Where built: Sandouville, France
Production target: More than
250,000 a year
Peugeot 308
Code-name: T7
Market launch: Q4 2007
Project leader: Jean Christoph Guemard
Platform: PF2
Key technology: New 1.6-liter gasoline
engines co-developed with BMW;
six-speed automated manual
transmission
Key supplier: Magneti Marelli
Where built: Sochaux and Mulhouse,
France
Production target: 400,000 a year
for Europe
Peugeot 4007
Market launch: July 2007
Project leader: Philippe Bacquet
Platform: C-segment developed by
Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler
Design: Adapted from design done by
Mitsubishi’s Olivier Boulay and Akinori
Nakanishi for Mitsubishi Outlander
Where built: Mizushima, Japan
Production target: 15,000
Renault Twingo (concept shown)
Code-name: X44
Market launch: Q2 2007
Project leader: Bruno Vanel
Platform: Renault-Nissan B
Development notes: Delayed six
months for a redesign of exterior
ordered by Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn
Where built: Novo Mesto, Slovenia
Production target: More than 175,000 a
year
Renault Koleos (concept shown)
Code-name: H45
Market launch: Q1 2008
Project leader: Ludovic Troyes
Platform: Mixture of Renault platform 2
and platform used for next Nissan X-Trail
Development notes: Strong involvement
of Renault-Samsung of South Korea
Where built: Busan, South Korea
Production target: 60,000 a year
Computer illustration: C. Schulte
Renault Laguna
Computer illustration: C. Schulte
Computer illustration: C. Schulte
Code-name: GM3700
Market launch: August 2008
Platform: Global Midsize (Epsilon 2)
Development notes: Next-generation
Vectra will share its underpinnings
with Saab 9-3
Technology: All-wheel-drive capability,
six-speed transmissions, active
suspension and possibly hybrid
technology
Where built: Rüsselsheim, Germany
Production target: 150,000 a year
in 2010
Code-name: VW354
Market launch: 2008
Platform: PQ35
Design: Under Robert Lesnik
Development notes: VW originally
planned to develop the car based on the
Golf, but switched to Eos platform to
save development costs
Technology: Scirocco will offer two
engines: VW’s TSI twincharged inline
four-cylinder that produces 168hp
and the 200hp 2.0-liter T FSI
Where built: Setubal, Portugal
Production target: 100,000 a year
in 2009
Computer illustration: C. Schulte
Opel/Vauxhall Vectra
Computer illustration: C. Schulte
Market launch: November
Platform: M300
Development notes: Opel-badged
Suzuki Wagon R+; production transferred
from Gliwice, Poland, to Esztergom,
Hungary, because of GM production
needs in central Europe for
Chevrolet products
Technology: Considering
four-wheel-drive version
Where built: Esztergom, Hungary
Production target: 80,000 a year in 2010
Code-name: W204
Market launch: April
Platform: C class/ W204
Development notes: Mercedes began
testing C-class prototypes three years
ago and used an extended computer
simulation program to ensure higher
levels of quality
Technology: Alternative transmissions
will be offered
Where built: Bremen and Sindelfingen,
Germany; East London, South Africa
Production target: 420,000 a year
worldwide in 2008
Code-name: W212
Market launch: April 2008
Platform: E class/ W212
Development notes: With quality of the
E class a recent concern, engineers and
suppliers are already working together to
solve electronic glitches
Technology: Mercedes will abandon
Sensotronic Brake Control in favor of
conventional brakes; wet-weather disc
wiping will be offered as well
wheel-selective cornering brake control;
lane-departure warning, traffic-sign
identification and road-condition
sensors will be offered
Where built: Sindelfingen, Germany
Production target: 260,000 a year in 2008
Platform: PQ35
Technology: Four-wheel drive; directshift gearbox; possible addition of a glass
panoramic roof
Opel/Vauxhall Agila (spy shot)
Mercedes C class
Mercedes E class
VW Tiguan (concept shown)
VW Golf
VW SportVan
Code-name: VW350/351GP
Market launch: May 2008
Platform: PQ35GP
Design: Under Martin Günak
Development notes: Re-engineering for
three- and five-door models; Golf Plus
high-roof version will not be
re-engineered at the same time
Technology: Next-generation of
dual-clutch transmission; increased use
of direct-injection gasoline as well as
addition of twin-charged and
supercharged engines
Where built: Wolfsburg and Mosel,
Germany; South Africa
Production target: 525,000 a year by
2010
Code-name: C-Station
Market launch: 2009
Design: Under Martin Günak
Platform: PL57
Development notes: VW’s aim is to
position a model between Passat
upper-medium car and next-generation
Phaeton upper-premium model;
four-door vehicle aimed to compete
against Mercedes R class; multifunctional
space concept van in upper segment;
relies on Audi A6 platform and development cycle
Technology: Longitudinal engine; choice
of 2.0-liter turbo or 3.2-liter V-6 gasoline
engines; all-wheel drive
Production target: 50,000 units a
year in 2010
The information for this feature was gathered from automaker
press offices as well as carmaker and supplier sources by
Automotive News Europe reporters Luca Ciferri, Lyle Frink,
Tony Lewin, Jens Meiners, Jason Stein and Wim Oude Weernink.