Understand Geely's modular car-making architecture in one article

The emergence of modular car-making has brought significant changes and impetus to the automotive industry. Initially, Volkswagen's MQB platform was the pioneer of modular car-making. In 2012, Toyota introduced the TNGA architecture, and in 2016, Geely Auto, one of the "three independent heroes," launched the CMA architecture. As a result, a new "ABC" pattern of global modular car-making has been established.
 

Today, modular car-making is characterized by a diverse and competitive landscape, with numerous new models being developed on various platforms and architectures. Let's take a closer look at Geely Auto's architecture platforms and the representative models built on each platform.
 

CMA - Compact Modular Architecture

Geely named the CMA architecture "CMA Super Matrix." The term "super matrix" signifies its capability to support various forms of vehicles, akin to the reproduction of life.
 

The CMA architecture, a fundamental platform for mid-size cars, was led by Volvo and jointly developed by Geely and Volvo. It can cover A-B class models. The highly flexible and scalable CMA architecture for small and medium-sized cars combines advanced European R&D concepts with cutting-edge technologies from around the world. It has become the new foundation for Volvo, LYNK & CO products, and the latest Geely Auto products. Unlike traditional platforms, the new architecture offers greater scalability, adapting to a range of products from compact to medium-sized vehicles, including sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, SUVs, crossovers, and SUV coupes. Models such as the Volvo XC40, Lynk & Co 01, Lynk & Co 02, Lynk & Co 03, Lynk & Co 05, Xingyue, Xingrui, and Polestar are all born from the CMA architecture.
 

BMA - Basic Module Architecture

The BMA architecture is a brand-new global modular architecture independently developed by Geely Auto Group, maintaining the high flexibility and scalability inherent in the CMA - Compact Modular Architecture jointly developed by Geely Auto Group and Volvo Cars.
 

BMA can be visualized as a collection of power, electrical, chassis, and body modules that can be freely combined like building blocks to create a wide variety of vehicles. The interfaces between each module are standardized, enabling the development of multi-level and multi-type models. This architecture is mainly developed for A0 to A+ classes, including SUVs, sedans, CROSS models, wagons, and MPVs. Currently, models such as the Geely Coolray, Geely Binrui, and ICON are all derived from this architecture.

FE - Scalable Compact Passenger Car Platform

This platform was built by Geely Auto specifically for A-class compact models. It boasts high flexibility, offering a variety of powertrain options, high component compatibility, and next-generation electric drive solutions. Developed by Geely Auto, it leverages Volvo Cars' innovative technologies in safety, mobility, and durability. Currently, models such as the Emgrand GL, Emgrand GS, and the new energy brand Geometry series are all built on this platform.
 

KC - Medium Passenger Car Platform

The KC platform was developed through a collaboration between the China-Europe Vehicle Technology Center and the Geely Research Institute, with Volvo Cars providing technical support. This platform underpins Geely's mid-sized high-end models, such as the Emgrand GT. The Geely Borui also utilizes this platform.
 

NL - Modular SUV Platform

This modular SUV platform was developed to meet future needs such as intelligent driving and new energy. It sets a safety benchmark for cars on this platform, achieving the highest safety records in national tests. Geely models built on this platform, such as the Emgrand X7 Sport and Geely Boyue, have become best-selling products for both the brand and the industry.
 

SEA - Vast Electric Vehicle Platform

The SEA Vast Architecture is currently the most widely used pure electric architecture in the world, with a wheelbase range of 1800mm-3300mm, allowing full-size coverage from A-class cars to E-class cars. It meets all styling needs, including sedans, SUVs, MPVs, small city cars, sports cars, pickups, and future travel vehicles. The SEA Vast Architecture boasts "hardware, software, and broader integration capabilities," and is ready for advanced autonomous driving systems. The luxury hunting coupe, Zeekr 001, showcased at the Shanghai Auto Show, is based on this platform.
 

SPA - Volvo 60 and 90 Series Model Architecture

Finally, let's talk about the SPA platform, which is Volvo's own production platform. The continued hot sales of the first new car on the SPA platform, the XC90, highlighted the huge potential of the SPA platform to Volvo. When the CMA architecture was first introduced, it was referred to as "another important pillar to promote the global revival of the Volvo brand after the SPA medium and large vehicle platform architecture." Currently, except for the XC40 and C40, all other Volvo models are based on the SPA platform.