On the heels of one of the worst years the North Americancar industry has ever seen, the National Research Council has announced apartnership with auto parts maker Magna International Inc., to develop what itdescribes as "lighter, more durable parts that are safer, affordable,environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient."
Magna Exteriors and Interiors, based in Concord, Ontario,will use a new $7.2-million research and development centre to work on newcomposite materials.
"Automotive suppliers and original equipment manufacturersthat lead the industry in innovation and productivity know that vehicles of thefuture will need more composite content in order to provide the fuel economy,utility and safety that consumers demand," says Bob Brownlee, president of the division. "TheMagna-NRC Composite Centre of Excellence will help reinforce Magna's positionas a supplier of lightweight, cost-effective composite solutions to the globalautomotive market."
According to Magna International co-chief executive DonWalker, lighter materials are necessary to reduce a car's energy requirementsand would allow smaller, more market-friendly batteries onboard electric cars.
Magna already has a contract to build the electric drivetrains of the all-electric 2011 Ford Focus.
Research was to begin immediately, and the new facilitieswill be up and running by the summer.
Writer: Bert Archer