Abstract
This paper illustrates Renault-Nissan's Common Module Family (CMF) and Mazda's Common Architecture (CA), and discusses their differences and implications for modular product development. Renault-Nissan's CMF is an approach that creates various models by changing combinations of four physical modules and a set of electric/electronic units. Each module has two to three variations. Majority of engineering works will complete by selecting modules from the matrix of the 4+1 big modules. Mazda takes a different approach. Retaining traditional platform structure, CA creates various models flexibly by copying the common design rules, i.e., engineering principles and standard structures, to successive models in the same shape but in different size. With larger product variety and sales volume Renault-Nissan can justify heavier investments in its advanced development to build finer matrix of the technological platform, i.e. CMF, while Mazda, with annual sales of only 1.3 million units, prefers a less modularized approach.
