Mercedes-Benz wants to use more interchangeable components and architectures to improve productivity and reduce costs.
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According to Automotive News Europe, Daimler is eyeing drivetrains, axles, brake systems and electronic architecture.
“It makes sense for commonality to be as high as possible,” R&D chief Thomas Weber said.
He added that over half of the components are shared between the Mercedes E- and C-class models which are relatively similar but wants to see more parts shared between models in completely different segments.
The new GLK SUV launched in Beijing last month is an example.
“The GLK is highly integrated with the C-class,” said Weber. “It is a derivative but we have worked on it to give it the DNA of an SUV.”
The GLK uses the same electronics and drivetrain and both are built on the same line in Bremen.
“We want to make the drivetrain, axles, brakes and electronic architecture interchangeable between all 1.3m vehicles that we build. We could do this and save costs, while improving quality and preserving Mercedes DNA,” said Weber.
