US Auto & Truck

What Are Twinned Cars?

So what are Twinned Cars? You may have heard car enthusiasts mention the term "twinned cars," yet not have completely understood what the phrase refers to. Simply put, they are vehicles that have a twin. These cars are typically built in the exact same way on the same platform. They also use many of the same car parts. At first, the concept might sound silly. However, car manufacturers have a good reason for producing twinned vehicles. In this article, I'll explain automakers' objectives in creating twins and I'll provide some examples that may surprise you.

Why Are Twinned Cars Built?

Even though twinned vehicles look practically identical, they are almost always sold by different companies. In truth, the parent company for both cars is the same and each of the twins is offered by different subsidiaries of that parent. The main reason why automakers do this is to address multiple segments of a market. Sometimes, the twins will be identical, yet one car's price will be lower than the other. Other times, the interior of one car will be different while all of the parts and components under the hood are the same. By doing this, car manufacturers can offer "new" models without investing in a brand new platform. This procedure has been in place for many years.

One of the benefits for automakers is that they can easily target certain types of buyers by making minor changes in the design of a car. The change can be as simple as altering the dashboard or using a different instrument architecture. Because building an entirely new platform can cost tens of millions of dollars, twinned cars are a comparatively inexpensive alternative.

Examples Of Twinned Cars

You've likely seen many twins on the road, yet never realized what you were actually looking at. For example, a Ford Taurus is the same basic car as a Mercury Sable. Likewise, a Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio are nearly identical. Dodge Chargers and Chrysler 300's are also the same. Specific sedans, minivans, SUVs, and trucks all have twinned counterparts. If components or systems need to be replaced, it's likely that those same parts can be used interchangeably in the twinned vehicle. Knowing that your car is "twinned" may help you find parts when it is time for a repair and be able to save on costs.

Shopping For A Twin

Once you realize that dozens of cars have counterparts that are marketed and sold under different brands, you'll be better equipped to negotiate with dealerships. The salesperson's argument that a certain model costs more because of its construction and the quality of the parts won't be nearly as seductive. Remember, twinned vehicles are built on the same platform and the car parts under the hood are usually identical. For the savvy car buyer, that means having leverage during negotiations.

Always make sure you test drive and have a mechanic check out and used car before you purchase a new to you car. It's better to be safe then a sorry when making that final decision on purchasing a vehicle for your family