Report: VW Is Struggling with New MQB Platform

Volkswagen AG is grappling with the complexities of making multiple models that share the company's new modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, according to Reuters, which cites unnamed company sources.

The front-drive MQB chassis debuted 2012 in the Audi A3 and has since spread to at least half a dozen models, including VW's Golf hatchback, Up! city car and Tiguan small SUV, and Audi's upcoming next-generation TT sports car and new Q1 small crossover. VW has projected that the MQB platform will carry 4 million vehicles per year by 2016.

The company's strategy is to use MQB's component-sharing philosophy to lower production costs while creating a broader array of models. The result has been more volume but also more production complexity. Reuters' sources say VW has added overtime to make up for output delays associated with building more models on the same assembly line.

The problems appear to plague the Golf more than any other model, according to the new service's sources. They say production has been slowed by errors in programming for robots that must quickly adjust to a variety of models coming down the line.

They also say at least some of the blame for inefficiencies lies with VW's highly centralized management structure, which has delayed product and manufacturing decisions.