An innovative new partnership between Magna Exteriors and Interiors, an operating unit of Magna International Inc., and Canada’s National Research Council Canada will help the Canadian auto industry develop next-generation vehicles with lighter, more durable parts that are safer, and more affordable, environmentally friendly and fuel efficient. In December 2009, the partners announced the creation of the Magna-NRC Composite Centre of Excellence at the Magna Exteriors and Interiors facility in Concord, Ontario.

This new research and development centre, created with both private and public investment, will develop composite technology for the Canadian and global automotive industry. "Automotive suppliers and original equipment manufacturers  know that the vehicles of the future will need more composite content in order to provide the fuel economy, utility and safety that consumers demand", says Bob Brownlee, President, Magna Exteriors and Interiors. "The Magna-NRC Composite Centre of Excellence will help reinforce Magna's position as a supplier of lightweight, cost-effective composite solutions to the global automotive market." 

The Magna-NRC Composite Centre of Excellence will be equipped with leading-edge moulding equipment for thermoplastic composites. These technologies have been identified as the best prospects for reducing the weight of structural car parts, making them more fuel-efficient and affordable. Joint project work in composites will begin immediately, while the new research facility is expected to be operational in summer 2010. Canada's highly educated work force and world class researchers are key to the continued global success of innovators such as Magna.

Magna [www.magna.com] is another example of Canadian leadership and excellence the global business world continues to count on.

Additional Facts

• Magna is the largest automotive supplier in North America, with total sales of $23.7 billion in fiscal 2008.
• Magna's global headquarters are in Aurora, Ontario. The company has 242 manufacturing operations and 86 product development, engineering and sales centres in 25 countries.