Japanese automaker Toyota Motors has introduced a new vehicle architecture - Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) – for all its future cars starting with the next generation Prius in 2015.

This move is in response to several recalls in the last decade as well as increasing competition from Japanese rival Honda and stiff competition from Ford and GM in the US.

Using this architecture, similarly sized cars such as the C-segment Corolla, Prius and Auris will share development paths sharing under-the-skin designs and componentry.

Apart from reducing weight and bulk, the architecture will save up to 30% on development times and costs, claims the company. The company plans to re-invest these savings in product development.

Toyota board member Mitsuhisa Kato said that TNGA will help lower the height of the centre of gravity of Toyota cars, which has been getting lower across the industry.

"TNGA will set performance targets," Kato added.

Using similar core segments, TNGA will also enable customers across China, North USA, Latin America, SE Asia and Europe to personalize their cars.

Image: Toyota has introduced TNGA vehicle architecture for all its future cars. Photo courtesy: Toyota (GB) PLC.