Originally, these were identified using a simple alphanumeric system. The first letter prefix indicates the car classification or physical size (A, B, C or D - for 'traditional' cars); followed by a number to enumerate different generations of the same class. However, more recent platforms have formally departed from this convention, although the older alphanumeric codes continue to be used informally.
These platforms may be used by one or more marques of the Group.
Six variants from five generations. Confusingly, the D series includes models using both conventional steel monocoque construction, or the very different aluminium Audi Space Frame construction.
the early generations were retroactively named, the T1 is the oldest "platform", based on the original Type 1 Volkswagen Beetle.
Note that some designations in common use are ambiguous; i.e. in some cases the same platform designation is used for different models that do not share a common platform. An example would be the B6 designation - this is used to identify the 2001-2005 Audi A4 (and the related Audi S4), which uses a longitudinal engine and transmission placement with a pressed steel front subframe; however it is also used to identify the sixth-generation Volkswagen Passat, but this uses a transverse engine and transmission placement with a very different castaluminium alloy front subframe.
Joint-venture platforms
Platforms developed by Volkswagen Group as joint ventures with other manufacturers have designations which do not conform to the above scheme. These include:
In 2007, Volkswagen Group introduced a more flexible "modular component system" architecture on which to base future platforms. Four such component systems were planned:[5] However, models developed from these modular component systems may also be identified by PL/PQ platform designations.[citation needed]
MNB: Modulare Nutzfahrzeugbaukasten, for light commercial vehicles (VW Crafter/MAN TGE).
Software platforms
GENIVI Linux
Bosch Software Components
MIB - Modular Infotainment Platform
MIB 2
MIB 3 - BlackBerry QNX
E³ 1.1 (End-to-End 1.1)
Volkswagen Automotive Cloud
Platform 1.2
E³ 2.0 architecture
Unified Platform 2.0
Electric car platforms
J1: J1 Platform underpins the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT. It is derived from the MSB platform.[10]
MEB: Modularer Elektrobaukasten is an electric car platform developed by Volkswagen Group.[11][12]
PPE: Premium Platform Electric for larger electric car models co-developed by Audi and Porsche.[13][14]
SSP: Scalable Systems Platform is planned to be introduced in 2029.[15][16]
Other
The first generation of the Volkswagen Amarok (2H) is based on a specially developed chassis, while the second generation (NF) is based on and utilises the T6.2 platform in cooperation with Ford and shares many of the same parts as the second-generation Ford Ranger (P703/RA).[17]