Magna International opened a new European composite center in Esslingen, Germany, to develop European lightweight components and external components for 'advanced materials'.
'Lightweight composite parts can reduce steel weight by 30 to 60% or more,' said Magna's external president in a March 7 press release. 'It's easy to see why car manufacturers are pursuing these materials. We Are ready to provide innovative solutions to help them achieve their goals.'
Magna has cooperated with several European automakers, including the joint development of two projects: advanced composite structural module and structural compound.
In 2010, Magna opened a composites center in Concord, Ontario, and cited its work with automakers on carbon fiber hoods developed in the 2016 Cadillac V-Series and ongoing projects with Ford Motor Company. To test the feasibility of carbon fiber sub-frames for mass production.