We all know the small plastic blocks children use to make houses, cars, robots and whatever else their imaginations come up with. The exact same block can be used and re-used in multiple different ways. A vehicle platform works in more or less the same way. The platform works as a base on top of which vehicles are designed and created in different-sized versions with a variety of features. Each platform has its own specific features and bases that can be used to make a range of unique models.
The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance wants to manage the diversity of its ranges and adapt its engineering resources in the context of the changing landscape of the automotive industry. The development of platforms and families of platforms is helping the Alliance to meet this objective by creating greater synergies between its members. The three companies can share their knowledge, development costs, a common modular design and focus resources on innovations that will be appreciated by customers.
This activity forms an integral part of the Alliance’s Strategic Plan. By 2022, 70% of the Alliance’s and 80% of Groupe Renault's vehicles will be manufactured using CMF (Common Module Family) platforms.
The CMF-B platform is one of many projects. It is first used to create the All-new Renault Clio, unveiled at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. It has been in development since 2014 at the Guyancourt Technocentre, replacing the three platforms previously used by Renault and Nissan (including the Micra and Clio IV platforms) and 85% of its components are new (compared with the Clio IV platform).
CMF-B modular platform:
The CMF-B platform was designed with the future of the Alliance in mind. Electric technologies can be easily integrated into the platform, as can the latest advanced driving aids. These additions represent the first step towards the integration of autonomous driving functions in the future.
The platform is based on a common modular design that can be used to manufacture different models. Interchangeable components mean that the platform can be adapted for different markets and customer expectations around the world.
By 2022, 4.6 million vehicles, including the All-new Renault Clio, will have been built using the CMF-B platform in some fifteen Alliance plants throughout the world.