Magna says it's on track for a developing an electric car by 2010
Magna International is the third largest auto supplier in the world and it now appears the company was very lucky to escape buying Chrysler last year. Having survived to fight another day, the company has recently been working to develop a complete electric car. The company is currently developing all the systems necessary for an electric car, including the propulsion systems and electrically-driven accessory systems. The Canadian company is looking for an automaker to partner with on production of a car. Magna is prepared to provide anything from components and sub-systems to a complete vehicle if that's what a partner needs. Chief technical officer Ted Robertson told Automotive News the company is on track to have a four-door car ready by 2010 to demonstrate all the systems. Its purchase of Michigan-based BluWav is helping. BluWav speciallizes in electric propulsion and energy management systems. The energy management is necessary to reduce the draw of all of the vehicles systems on the battery, thus maximizing range.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nick 6:09PM (10/24/2008)
I hope they team up with Tesla ! That could accelerate new products and cut cost.
Reply
Tony Belding 11:16PM (10/24/2008)
To me, Tesla doesn't look like a good match for Magna. Tesla lacks one of the biggest things that Magna would want: a distribution and service network. What Tesla does have is electric drive technology -- but wait, can't BluWav provide that? So. . . I don't see the synergy.
Mark F 12:41AM (10/25/2008)
Magna was one of the companies that worked on the v1 2-speed transmission of the Tesla Roadster, and according to a April 15th story (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/15/tesla-now-on-the-receiving-end-of-a-lawsuit-magna-sues-for-brea/) is suing Tesla for unpaid work for their unsuccessful design. They may not be the best partners right now.
jeremie 3:29PM (10/25/2008)
This is good news.
I would love to see a Canadian designed car, and maybe even built in Canada.
If they do.. I'll be one of the first that would want to buy one.
Reply
Mike G 10:28PM (10/25/2008)
I would gladly buy one as well. For some reason I have so much more faith in this company making an electric car happen than GM and their Volt publicity stunt...
Reply