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CMA platform

CMA stands for Compact Modular Architecture. It is a modular vehicle architecture developed through the Geely-Volvo engineering ecosystem, with CEVT in Gothenburg playing a central role. It allows different cars to share core engineering while still having different dimensions, powertrains, styling and driving characteristics.

Updated: September 21, 2026Technology explainer
Illustration explaining the CMA Compact Modular Architecture with chassis components, powertrain flexibility and example vehicles
CarGlossary illustration of the CMA concept. It is an explanatory graphic, not an engineering drawing of one specific production vehicle.
Simple definition

CMA is a shared engineering foundation for cars. Think of it as a flexible set of structural hard points, interfaces, modules and engineering rules. Automakers can use that foundation to build different vehicles without engineering every underlying system from zero.

What is a vehicle platform?

A modern platform is more than the visible floor of a car. It can define or standardize important engineering interfaces for the body structure, suspension, powertrain mounting, electrical systems, safety systems, climate hardware and other components.

Because CMA is modular, engineers can reuse common technology while changing the parts that make each model different. A coupe SUV such as the Geely Tugella and a larger SUV such as the Geely Monjaro can therefore share architecture without being the same vehicle.

Who developed CMA?

Geely says CMA was born at China Euro Vehicle Technology AB (CEVT) in Gothenburg. Geely's current brand material says more than 2,000 engineers from 25 countries worked on CMA over three years. Volvo Cars describes CMA as a platform developed in collaboration with CEVT and Geely Automotive, while later Volvo material describes it as co-developed by Volvo Cars and Geely.

The useful takeaway is that CMA came from the shared Geely-Volvo engineering ecosystem rather than being simply a rebadged platform from one existing car.

What can CMA share between different cars?

Structural interfacesCommon engineering rules and hard points can reduce the need to redesign core vehicle structure for every model.
Powertrain integrationCMA has supported combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric applications across different brands and generations.
Electrical & infotainment technologyVolvo originally highlighted shared infotainment, climate, data-network and safety technology between modular architectures.
Manufacturing scaleShared modules and components can reduce development complexity and improve economies of scale.

What does not have to be the same?

Two CMA cars do not have to share the same engine output, wheelbase, suspension tune, body shape, interior, software or equipment. The platform creates a common engineering base; it does not make the finished vehicles identical.

Can be sharedCan still differ by model
Architecture and interfacesExterior and interior design
Component familiesWheelbase and vehicle dimensions
Electrical/safety system foundationsEngine or motor output
Powertrain mounting conceptsSuspension tuning and steering feel
Manufacturing processesADAS equipment and software features

What powertrains can CMA support?

CMA was designed with electrification in mind. Volvo's early CMA material discussed conventional engines and plug-in hybrids; later CMA vehicles included mild/hybrid applications and full battery-electric vehicles such as the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Polestar 2. Geely has also described CMA as compatible with gasoline, HEV, PHEV and BEV applications.

PetrolHybridPlug-in hybridBattery electric

Which cars use the CMA platform?

CMA has been used across several brands in the wider Geely-Volvo ecosystem. The exact architecture version and vehicle engineering still vary by model.

Geely Tugella GeelyTugellaSporty coupe SUV and Geely's early flagship CMA application. Geely Monjaro GeelyMonjaroLarger premium-oriented SUV using CMA architecture. White Volvo XC40 VolvoXC40The first Volvo model produced on CMA, launched in 2017.

Photos: Tugella — Raf24 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. Monjaro — Retired electrician / Wikimedia Commons, CC0. XC40 — Damian B Oh / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Other documented CMA-based vehicles include several Lynk & Co models and the Polestar 2. Volvo said that by July 2020 more than 600,000 vehicles using CMA had been sold across Volvo Cars and strategic affiliates.

CMA vs BMA, SPA and SEA

ArchitectureGeneral role
CMACompact/modular architecture used across Geely, Volvo and related brands; supports multiple powertrain types.
BMAGeely-developed B-segment modular architecture for smaller vehicles.
SPAVolvo's scalable architecture originally focused on larger 60- and 90-series vehicles.
SEAGeely Holding architecture developed specifically around electric vehicles and broader EV applications.

Why should a car buyer care?

Technology can spread fasterA proven component or system can potentially be adapted across several models rather than developed independently each time.
Cost sharingManufacturers can spread engineering and component costs across more vehicles.
Platform does not determine quality aloneA shared platform is only one part of the finished car; tuning, materials, software and execution still matter.
Useful comparison clueKnowing two cars share architecture can explain similarities, but it should never replace comparing their actual specifications.
Geely Tugella Geely Monjaro Software-Defined Vehicle 800V architecture

Primary sources

Terminology note:

Manufacturers sometimes use “platform” and “architecture” loosely. CMA is formally named Compact Modular Architecture. Individual models may use updated derivatives or model-specific implementations of the broader architecture.