Renault-Nissan Announces New CMF Platform For Future Models

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has announced details of its new Common Module Family (CMF) concept, a modular architecture which the Alliance says will underpin 14 new models in its first roll-out.

CMF will spawn a number of different individual platforms, but rather than unifying them through a common floorpan or firewall, CMF is a system that allows greater cross-compatibility between separate modules like front chassis rails or rear suspension subframes.

The CMF architecture will essentially standardise every major component of future Renault and Nissan cars, including their electrical systems, as well as how they interface with the components around them.. 

In the first phase, the CMF architecture will be used in 11 new Renault and 3 new Nissan models, from both the compact and large car segments.

Key recipients of the CMF underpinnings will include the next-generation Renault Laguna, Scenic and Espace, while Nissan's first three CMF models will be the replacements for the Dualis/Qashqai, X-Trail and the Rogue.

The Alliance says that the CMF architecture will produce savings in component sourcing of between 20 and 30 percent, whicle the cost of research and development will be slashed by anywhere between 30 and 40 percent. 

We'll see the CMF architecture make its debut later this year when the next-generation Dualis (see gallery below) and X-Trail make their debut, while Renault vehicles using the CMF concept will start rolling out in 2014.