Ford Can Cut 30% Production Cost If It Starts To Share

Focus Coupe-Cabriolet, the European Focus, Focus C-Max, Volvo S40, V50, C30, C70, Mazda3, Mazda5, and CX-7 have several things in common. First glance might be deceiving however; if one delves deeper, a significant realization can be had. The mentioned vehicles employ elements of the C1 platform. To some auto analysts, if Ford starts to share the architecture with other brands, the company will be able to cut about 30 percent of the total production cost.

According to Derrick Kuzak, the brains behind C1 platform for the European Ford Focus, this is what Ford needs for future products as well: A shared versatile architecture with a high amount of variation. Kuzak added, "If you look at C1, it's almost a microcosm of what we're trying to do in the enterprise as a whole. Having a very strong and capable platform -- and on top of that you put very unique products that are unique not just in how they look but are very consistent with the individual brand DNA."

Volvo cars like S40, V50, C30 and C70, can very well adapt to the sharing. In fact, Volvo S40 upgrade parts and Volvo C70 parts and accessories are made more flexible and sophisticated to accommodate future enhancements and modifications.

If this concept will be entertained by Ford to augment its financial stability, it will be deemed as the boldest move yet for the automaker. Nonetheless, it will also be one of the most apparent, so far. Analysts are saying that Kuzak seems to have the right idea. Nevertheless, he has to move swiftly for time is of the essence. No matter how brilliant the idea is, it will turn out to be futile if implemented out of time.

Ford is currently battling one great storm, and it is up to the automaker to take measures to protect its name and standing. Time is short and Ford should not let it slip away without doing something essential. The automaker badly needs a home run to return to the good days in the auto industry. Further, the home run must be achieved in the shortest possible time.