从“多生孩子好打架”到“优生优育”车企平台战略为何集体收缩？

Core Viewpoint - The automotive industry is shifting from multiple specialized platforms to versatile platforms that can accommodate various vehicle types and powertrains, reflecting a strategic response to market uncertainties and the need for efficiency [2][4][5]. Group 1: Platform Strategy Changes - Domestic automaker Great Wall Motors launched a new platform called "Guiyuan," which can cover seven vehicle categories and five powertrain types, aiming to produce over 50 models based on this platform [3]. - International automakers like Volkswagen and BMW are also consolidating their platforms, with Volkswagen planning to integrate multiple existing platforms into a single SSP platform [3][4]. - The transition from specialized platforms to compatible platforms signifies a return to survival efficiency, as companies focus on software and electronic architectures rather than just mechanical components [4][5]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Risks - The automotive market is entering a "Warring States" era where fuel, hybrid, and electric vehicles coexist, making it risky for companies to invest heavily in single powertrain platforms [5]. - The shift to compatible platforms allows automakers to adapt to diverse regulatory environments and consumer demands with minimal costs, reducing the risk of misjudging technology trends [5][6]. - The increasing competition in the automotive market has made the hidden costs of developing new platforms significant, prompting companies to adopt compatible platforms that can share components and reduce material costs [6]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Despite the trend towards platform consolidation, some companies like Toyota and Hyundai continue to pursue multi-platform strategies to meet diverse market needs [7][8]. - Tesla exemplifies a single-platform approach, focusing on scale efficiency at the expense of some production flexibility [8]. - The choice between compatible and dedicated platforms depends on the company's market position and historical context, with larger automakers favoring compatibility while newer entrants may prefer dedicated platforms [8][9]. Group 4: Future Trends - Analysts predict that compatible platforms will become mainstream in the next 5 to 10 years, with the number of platforms reducing to one or two super platforms [9]. - Future platforms are expected to resemble standardized "skateboard chassis," allowing for flexible combinations of body styles and power sources, with competition shifting towards electronic architectures and software capabilities [9][10]. - The ongoing adjustments in brand architectures, such as mergers and consolidations among various brands under single corporate umbrellas, reflect the industry's response to competitive pressures and efficiency concerns [10].