Daimler and Infiniti jointly developing a new platform

The technical collaboration between Daimler and Infiniti goes beyond engine sharing, it seems. According to international news agency Bloomberg, the two companies are in the midst of developing a brand new platform together, which will spawn four models – the first of which will enter production as soon as 2017.

Head of Infiniti, Johan de Nysschen, said that one of the four new models will be a crossover. While he didn’t divulge any more details, rumours are abound that this new shared platform will succeed Mercedes’ current front-wheel drive MFA architecture, while also providing a base to build a production version of the Infiniti Q30.

Also a possibility is a jointly-developed new premium platform for the next Mercedes-Benz ML-Class and Infiniti QX70 (previously the FX) SUVs. Pictured here in their current forms, both models would be due for replacements come 2017. Being relatively low volume models, a shared development would make a lot of sense for both parties.

Mercedes-Benz ML 350


Infiniti FX37

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Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • BavarianAutosport on Jan 29, 2014 at 4:32 pm

    The Infiniti FX is an impressive SUV. It’s a shame the high price tag in Msia would only enable a few rich guys to purchase it as a rich man’s toy.

    As for the ML, for that level of price, most people would opt for a Range Rover Sport.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • skatax on Jan 29, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    Infinity will reap the benefit more since they are still new in the SUV segment. in economy we call this backward integration. good for economies of scale but to what extend? no problem for mass segment cars, but when buying luxury SUVs you don’t want your A,B and C pillars looks similar to the next competing brand – it beats the whole reason of buying ‘luxury’ cars, since exclusivity is the key.

    anyway we’ll wait for the final product from these two :)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • But I don’t see people have a problem with VW, Audi and Porsche sharing the platform for the Touareg, Q7 and Cayenne.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Afnan on Jan 30, 2014 at 12:10 am

    First Toyota & BMW. Now Nissan & Mercedes. Next should be Honda & Volkswagen.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • More than 50 of years establishment still want to share platform? That’s shame!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
    • hadi75 on Jan 31, 2014 at 12:20 am

      What’ s to be ashamed of???it’s business…sharing cost of r n d can mean bigger margin…and they are sharing platform not rebadging….

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Archangel on Feb 04, 2014 at 8:25 pm

    Great. Car company joining/working together are very much common nowadays. Hope to hear and see good result from it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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