Strategic partnership, proprietary production capability help
set the pace
PARIS, March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Magna International
Inc. announced that its Magna Exteriors and Interiors (MEI)
operating unit, together with strategic development partner Zoltek,
offers best-in-class capabilities in providing carbon fiber
composite parts and systems for high-volume automotive applications
to support automakers' lightweighting initiatives.
MEI and Zoltek, the worldwide leading producer of commercial
carbon fiber, have developed a low-cost carbon fiber sheet molding
compound (SMC) through an exclusive global partnership. The jointly
developed carbon fiber SMC material uses Zoltek's Panex® 35
commercial carbon fiber combined with Magna's unique EpicBlendSMC™
formulations and production expertise.
The material, named EpicBlendSMC EB CFS-Z, is part of MEI's
EpicBlendSMC product line and allows Magna to offer global
manufacturers an expanded range of lightweight parts, sub-systems
and semi-structural applications for automotive as well as
commercial truck and other markets. Additionally, the EB CFS-Z
sheet molding compound is for sale directly to molders through
MEI.
MEI has recently won new business for a semi-structural
component based on its EB CFS-Z SMC technology. Furthermore, one of
Magna's SMC compounding facilities has installed proprietary SMC
production equipment that is optimized to compound Zoltek's Panex®
35 carbon fiber. Together, MEI and Zoltek have extensive core
manufacturing capabilities to serve customers in both North America and Europe, minimizing the cost and need to import
carbon fiber or precursor materials into these markets.
"We are working with global OEMs every day to develop
lightweight solutions that help meet the increased fuel economy and
decreased emissions of future vehicle programs," said Mike Andrews, VP of Operations, Magna Exteriors and Interiors. "With our EB
CFS-Z SMC technology, we are now meeting the requirements for
high-volume applications that call for low-cost, high-performance
carbon fiber materials."
About Magna Exteriors and Interiors
Magna Exteriors and Interiors Corp. (www.magna.com), an
operating unit of Magna International Inc., is a full-service
global supplier of automotive exterior and interior systems. We
design, engineer and manufacture front- and rear-end fascia
systems; exterior trim; class A composite panels; top systems;
under hood and underbody components; structural components;
sidewall and trim systems; cockpit systems; cargo management
systems; and overhead systems for automotive, commercial truck,
consumer, and industrial markets.
About Magna International
We are a leading global automotive supplier with 313
manufacturing operations and 88 product development, engineering
and sales centres in 29 countries. Our 119,000 employees are
focused on delivering superior value to our customers through
innovative processes and World Class Manufacturing. Our product
capabilities include producing body, chassis, interiors, exteriors,
seating, powertrain, electronics, mirrors, closures and roof
systems and modules, as well as complete vehicle engineering and
contract manufacturing. Our common shares trade on the Toronto
Stock Exchange (MG) and the New York Stock Exchange (MGA). For
further information about Magna, visit our website at
www.magna.com.
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SOURCE Magna International Inc.