R&D project developed with the U.S. Department of
Energy
TROY, MI,
June 11, 2014 /CNW/ - Magna
International Inc. and Ford Motor Company have unveiled a
multi-material lightweight vehicle (MMLV) concept that uses
advanced material solutions to achieve a nearly 25% weight
reduction compared to the current production vehicle. The
Magna-led R&D activity, in cooperation with Ford, is co-funded
by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The project includes engineering, prototype vehicle build and
selected validation testing associated with a new
aluminum-intensive passenger vehicle design architecture,
facilitating an extensive use of advanced lightweight and
high-strength materials, resulting in environmental and fuel
economy benefits.
The multi-material lightweight vehicle concept is based on the
production version of a 2013 Ford Fusion and defines a new
aluminum-intensive passenger car structure. The concept
reduces the weight of the Fusion to that of a 2013 Ford Fiesta,
making the weight of a C/D segment family sedan approximately equal
to that of a subcompact B-car - two vehicle segments lighter -
without compromising performance or occupant safety.
"Government mandated fuel economy and crash standards are big
topics in the automotive industry, and as a supplier we play a
significant role partnering with our customers to achieve fuel
efficiency goals through lightweight vehicle structures that meet
such safety standards," said Swamy
Kotagiri, Magna Chief Technical Officer. "Through
early collaborative involvement, like with the MMLV project, we are
better positioned to assist our customers in optimizing their
products and meeting the challenges of future mobility."
"Our goal was to investigate how to design and build a
mixed-materials, lightweight vehicle that could potentially be
produced in high volume, while providing the same level of safety,
durability and toughness as our vehicles on the road today," said
Matt Zaluzec, Ford technical leader,
Global Materials and Manufacturing Research. "There isn't a
one-size-fits-all approach to light-weighting. The research vehicle
gives us the platform to continue to explore the right mix of
materials and applications for future vehicles."
The MMLV concept vehicle is part of the U.S. DOE's Vehicle
Technologies Office lightweight materials project portfolio,
addressing future CAFE fuel economy legislation. Vehma
International, an engineering and prototype division within the
Cosma International operating unit of Magna, manufactured and
integrated the multi-material body-in-white, closures, chassis and
bumper components. Ford supplied the vehicles and
weight-optimized powertrain, tires/wheels, suspension, interiors,
glass and seating to build drivable vehicles for test and
evaluation.
About Cosma International
Cosma International, an operating unit of Magna International Inc.,
manufactures a comprehensive range of metal body systems,
components, assemblies and modules including complete vehicle
frames, chassis systems and body-in-white systems using a variety
of innovative processes such as hydroforming, stamping, roll
forming and die casting.
About Magna International
We are a leading global automotive supplier with 315 manufacturing
operations and 82 product development, engineering and sales
centres in 29 countries. We have over 128,000 employees focused on
delivering superior value to our customers through innovative
products and processes, and World Class Manufacturing. Our product
capabilities include producing body, chassis, interior, exterior,
seating, powertrain, electronic, vision, closure 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.
Image with caption: "Magna International Inc. and Ford Motor
Company have unveiled a multi-material lightweight vehicle (MMLV)
concept that uses advanced material solutions to achieve a nearly
25% weight reduction compared to the current production vehicle.
The Magna-led R&D activity, in cooperation with Ford, is
co-funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (CNW Group/Magna
International Inc.)". Image available at:
http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140611_C9521_PHOTO_EN_41285.jpg