During the announcement of the Geely Bin Rui sedan and SX11 SUV, Geely Auto also unveiled its new B-Segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform. But what exactly is the BMA platform?
After co-developing the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform with Volvo Cars, Geely has applied its learnings to develop the BMA platform. Like the CMA, the BMA platform maintains the high flexibility and scalability to allow Geely Auto Group to apply this platform to different body styles from Sedans to MPVs with a wheelbase ranging from 2,550 mm to 2,700 mm.
The BMA platform is compatible with a variety of powertrain options from turbocharged engines, plug-in hybrid, hybrid or mild hybrid. The soon to be launched SX11 will be equipped with the brand’s latest 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that is also found in the Volvo XC40 T3.
Taking their learnings from the development of CMA platform, Geely developed the BMA with passenger and pedestrian safety as its highest priority. It was designed to exceed Euro NCAP 5-Star safety standard with active safety features as well as the capability to immediately handle Level 2 autonomous drive and Level 3 autonomous drive in the future.
Using this new platform, the new vehicle development time has been shortened from over 36 months on average to less than 24 months, which allows Geely to respond quickly to market demands. Another benefit of adopting the BMA platform is strong economies of scale as all BMA based vehicles will have up to 70 per cent shared components, again reducing the time needed for component testing.
These also translates to significant savings when it comes to sourcing for vehicle parts as well as R&D costs which can be passed on to consumers. The common parts sharing also encourages suppliers to improve the performance and quality of their parts.
There is a high chance that Proton, which is also a member of Geely Auto Group, will be utilising the BMA platform in their future vehicles – namely the Preve, Exora and potentially B-segment models like the Persona and Iriz. If cost efficiency is what Geely is looking to achieve, it would be sensible to allow Proton to utilize the BMA platform in their future models.
