Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Streamline and SimplifyThe Volkswagen Auto Group (VAG) didn't have the best start in the EV game. Some of its first mass-market EVs either failed to meet expectations of critics, consumers, or sales, or all three. Harsh and costly lessons were learned after that, and things might be looking up for Germany's largest automaker.However, that also means a lot of catching up to do, as well as putting out fires in sales, labor, and profitability. Right now, the group is tightening its belt but is actively implementing measures to simplify and streamline production and development processes across all companies under its wing.VolkswagenA New Modular EV PlatformVAG is set to roll out a new EV platform. Dubbed the SSP, it's short for Scalable Systems Platform. According to Automotive News Europe, the platform was delayed to ensure it could be used by most of the brands under VAG's wing. It's said to be used by future EV models from Audi, Cupra, Porsche, Seat, Skoda, and, of course, Volkswagen.AdvertisementAdvertisementVolkswagen chief financial officer Arno Antlitz further highlighted the importance of this platform. Automotive News Europe mentioned that VW will not be able to achieve EV profit margins at the same level as ICE vehicles until the first SSP-based models arrive. He was quoted as saying, "We have to sell more electric cars than the natural demand in Europe. Until this platform [SSP] arrives, we have to make trade-offs between BEV volumes and CO2 fines."It wasn't mentioned what size class SSP is primarily for, but since it's modular, it can go up or down by one class depending on the application. However, what is confirmed is the first brand that will use it. Surprisingly, it won't be Volkswagen, but rather, Audi. That means the initial success of the SSP architecture rests on Ingolstadt. No pressure.AudiWhich Audi Model Will Get It First?Of course, company representatives didn't say which Audi model will utilize SSP first. However, the A2 e-tron might be a safe bet, as it's slated for a Fall 2026 reveal for the 2027 model year. VW CEO Thomas Schäfer then said Porsche will be the second brand to use the new platform. With that in mind, it suggests that SSP might be available with different drivetrain options.It's also possible that this platform could be used for compact or subcompact applications, as Audi and Porsche are already using the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture for larger models. Other models within VAG will follow suit, and there was mention of the ID. Golf is coming after the release of the SSP-based Audi and Porsche models. An electric version of the Skoda Octavia is also on the cards, while Cupra and Seat will eventually use the platform.AdvertisementAdvertisementBy the looks of things, this is a similar strategy to the one VAG applied about 30 years ago with the PQ34 platform. Audi was the first recipient of the PQ34 platform with the first-generation A3. It then became the basis for the first modern-era Skoda Octavia, and after that, the MK4 Volkswagen Golf. Other derivative models were made, such as the Audi TT, Seat Leon, and VW New Beetle, to name a few.AudiThis story was originally published by Autoblog on May 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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