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Magna and Ford Motor Company partner to introduce zero-emission battery electric vehicle

Posted on: Sunday, 11 January 2009, 10:45 CST

AURORA, ON, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Magna International, the world's most diverse auto parts supplier, announced today a vehicle-development partnership with Ford Motor Company to introduce a zero-emission lithium-ion battery electric vehicle (BEV) to be delivered to market in 2011.

The electric vehicle, which Ford announced at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a key vehicle in their electrification strategy, will be a small car with an expected range of up to 100 miles without using a drop of gasoline and without compromising customer performance expectations. The Ford BEV is expected to offer consumers a familiar driving experience - it will operate similar to a conventional vehicle, but with smoother acceleration, less noise and zero emission.

"This vehicle adds an important piece to Ford's product lineup with a zero-emission vehicle that will be both affordable and meets customers' needs," said Don Walker, co-CEO of Magna International. "In addition, the joint partnership demonstrates valuable OEM/supplier collaboration by sharing in the expertise and investment that the auto industry now requires for new advancements in energy independence and reduced CO(2) emissions."

"Our collaboration with Magna on a Ford BEV is the result of a shared vision of the potential of electrification in transportation," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president, Product Development. "This partnership leverages the technical expertise of two global companies to achieve a common goal, delivering a no-compromise, zero- emission, battery powered car for the retail market."

Magna will be responsible for providing critical components that make-up the powertrain and battery modules in the vehicle. In addition, Magna will also play a key role in the engineering required to integrate the electric propulsion system and other new systems into the vehicle architecture.

Vehicle/Technology Specifications: - Small car powered by an electric motor; - Single-speed transmission; - Battery pack expected range of up to 100 miles; - On-board battery charger capable of plugging into a 110- or 220-volt standard outlet; - Expected 12 hour charge time at 110 volts; 6 hours at 220 volts; - High-voltage powered HVAC compressor; and - High-voltage auxiliary heater.

The partnership with Ford and development of the Ford BEV demonstrates Magna's commitment to industry-leading innovation in materials, processes and products. From reducing mass to increasing comfort and forging new paths in customer collaboration, Magna's expertise in design, engineering and manufacturing continues to play a role in the development of next-generation cars and trucks.

About Magna International

Magna International (www.magna.com) is the most diversified automotive supplier in the world. We design, develop and manufacture automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers of cars and light trucks in North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. Our capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; metal body and structural systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.

Magna has approximately 80,000 employees in 243 manufacturing operations and 63 product development and engineering centers in 24 countries.

SOURCE Magna International Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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