Mazda platform ditched

THE Ford Motor Co has announced it will stretch its C1 platform to use in its European Premier Automotive Group mid-size luxury vehicles, rather than utilise the Mazda6 platform.

Ford says the mid-size platform cannot meet the performance requirements of the PAG brands, according to Automotive News.

Ford will modify the current European C1 platform - used in the Mazda3, Ford Focus and Volvo S40 - for Volvo’s next Generation S60 and V70. The modified platform also will underpin the Land Rover Freelander redesign coming in 2007.

The modified platform, called EUCD, could spawn the Jaguar X-Type replacement in 2009. For Ford of Europe, it will be the basis of the Ford Mondeo sedan and Galaxy minivan.

The size of the EUCD platform is nearly identical to that of the existing $1 billion Mazda6-based platform, called CD3.

In 2002, Ford said CD3 would meet global packaging requirements and have the driving dynamics required of a global mid-sized platform.