BERLIN - Fiat's platform strategy, introduced this decade, has taken a new direction with the space frame construction used in the new Multipla.
This forced Fiat to think about a new platform concept to succeed the five-platform strategy on which the group's Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia brand models are based. 'We approached the steel space frame concept with various prototypes, starting in 1991 with the VVS concept car. It was finally realized in the Multipla,' di Giusto said.
The space frame's lightweight technology not only helps Fiat reduce fuel consumption and emissions, but also offers great flexiblity in design and manufacturing.
This new concept, used first with the Multipla and soon to be extended to a whole family of cars, 'opens up a world of possibilities,' di Giusto said. He predicted space frame technology will increase Fiat's production capacity. It should also reduce manufacturing costs because model changes can be adapted without major problems. The space frame therefore helps Fiat react quickly to rapidly changing customer demands, he said.