Platform Sharing Cars
Discover the cars with more in common than you think
As a car owner, you’d be forgiven for not knowing that your vehicle may in fact have more similarities with another brand’s model than you think.
Of course, to make a car a car, it has to inevitably share many of the main components for it to function as a passenger-carrying roadworthy vehicle. While many automotive companies make every effort to ensure their models are distinctive and unique, some brands actually go against the grain by sharing more elements than you may think.
In this dedicated article, we discuss the concept of ‘platform sharing’; what it is, why it happens, and what cars are most commonly linked. You may well be surprised to find out which cars are near-enough identical below the bonnet…
What is platform sharing?
Platform sharing is when different car manufacturers use the same elements within one or more of its models. Whilst every car uses the same components, platform sharing usually refers specifically to the framework of a car (also known as the chassis) which helps to give each model of car its unique or distinctive look.
Although the concept of platform sharing doesn’t necessarily just reference identical frameworks, other elements such as the engine are also widely shared amongst competitive automotive manufacturers.
What is rebadging?
Rebadging is the term often referred to when platform sharing has taken place. To ‘rebadge’ a car is when a manufacturer uses the platform of a model from another brand and marks it as their own, by displaying their branding across the vehicle.
Whilst the principle of platform sharing and rebadging can seem somewhat underhand or misleading, it is actually commonplace in the automotive industry. What’s important to remember is that manufacturers enter into an agreement for platform sharing to take place. To understand more, we’ve listed some of the key reasons below.
Why do manufacturers share platforms?
Of course it may seem like an easy option, but platform sharing between manufacturers isn’t taken lightly. The decision can draw some negative reactions from car fans, who invest in a vehicle not only for its practical purposes, but for the unique way it looks too. With that being said, choosing to share platforms between manufacturers of course has many advantages for the participating brands.
Here are just some of the reasons manufacturers engage in platform sharing between brands:
- It can save huge costs to both parties
- Savings can be passed onto car buyers
- Shared technologies mean that new models can be launched quicker
- The best elements from both manufacturers are used to benefit each model
What cars use the same platform?
Now for the part you’ve been waiting for! We’ve explained what platform sharing is, the concept of rebadging and why car manufacturers work together in this way. So now it’s time for us to reveal the most common brands working together to produce models that are more similar than they first appear…
Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade
A Fiat and a Jeep you say? That’s right! Although at first the two models seem to be polar opposites in appeal, in fact the Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade are practically twinning!
While on the surface the two models still look very different, beneath the surface they share the same framework. Best of all, neither the Fiat 500X or Jeep Renegade lose their quirky appeal - each still remains unique and distinctive.
Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland X
This is where the concept of platform sharing can prove controversial, as in the case of the Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland X. Although exceptional examples of a family-sized SUV, as you can see from the accompanying images, both models look very similar on the surface.
And as you may have guessed, the similarities don’t stop there; underneath it is essentially the same car too. Of course there are some external styling changes that give the Peugeot 3008 a somewhat slightly different appeal to its Vauxhall Grandland X cousin. But which do you prefer?
Renault Koleos and Nissan X-Trail
Another platform sharing pair in the SUV world, the Renault Koleos and Nissan X-Trail are certainly fairly similar in terms of look, so as you’ve probably guessed, this similarity runs more than skin deep.
As well as the overall wheelbase structure, the Renault Koleos and Nissan X-Trail also share the same engine and suspension system too. A firm partnership between the pair, the Renault-Nissan shared platform is called the CMF-CD which you’ll also recognise in Renault’s popular Kadjar model too.
Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mercedes-Benz GLE
We’re pretty sure this is a pair you wouldn’t have suspected, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mercedes-Benz GLE really do share common ground. Not only do they dominate the full-size SUV market, but the luxury counterparts share the same platform too.
Where these two are concerned, size really does matter. So which do you prefer? The all-American rugged Jeep Grand Cherokee, or the German-made premium Mercedes-Benz GLE? We’ll leave that decision down to you.
Alfa Romeo MiTo and Vauxhall Adam
It’s not just their small size these two have in common, nor is it the fact that both of these cars are no longer manufactured (RIP). But before the Alfa Romeo MiTo (2008-2018) and Vauxhall Adam (2012-2019) were no more, they also shared the same platform, so were essentially the same car as far as the framework is concerned.
Dubbed the SCCS platform (also called Small Platform) the framework was developed for both parties to complement their subcompact vehicles. So why have we included these two vehicles if they’re no longer in production? Fans will be pleased to hear there is still life for both the Alfa Romeo MiTo and Vauxhall Adam in the used car market.
Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Scala
How about the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Scala - do you notice many similarities? Both compact family cars sport the same platform, known as the highly successful MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten) system developed by the Volkswagen Group, of which Skoda is a member.
As such, the two brands have become very closely related so tend to share many more elements than just the framework; underneath the bonnet, the two engines are practically identical too.
Platform sharing cars at Wilsons Epsom
Are you searching for your next new, nearly new or used car? Then make Wilsons Epsom your first stop!
We have been selling cars for over 117 years and as the largest family-run new and used car supermarket in the South of England, we offer extensive choice, unbeatable value, and a service you can trust in one location.
Here at Wilsons in Epsom, Surrey, we’re proud to represent 11 new car brands; Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jeep, Hyundai, Nissan, Nismo, Peugeot, MG, Renault and Dacia. Not only do we sell some of the UK’s best-selling new cars, but we also stock over 1,000 nearly new and used cars on-site that you can also browse online.
Whether you’re weighing up a Fiat 500X or Jeep Renegade, a Renault Koleos or Nissan X-Trail, we can help you choose the perfect car for your needs.
