Magna International to show electrification competence at NAIAS

AURORA, ON , Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Magna International announced today it will join the ranks of companies displaying at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, a first for the world's most diverse automotive supplier.

The company's exhibit will be located in Michigan Hall from January 11-15 as part of the EcoXperience ride & drive track and alternative energy showcase. The exhibit, which will highlight green-car technologies from across Magna's operating units, will also introduce E-Car Systems, Magna's newly created global operating unit that serves as an integrator to Magna's broad range of electrification capabilities.

The exhibit coincides with Magna's strategy to strengthen its position as a leader in hybrid and electric vehicle development and products. This is in direct response to consumer interest and demand for vehicles that use renewable energy and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

"The global trends towards CO(2) reduction and improved fuel economy are important drivers of future growth in hybrid and electric vehicles," said Don Walker , co-CEO of Magna International. "We have been enhancing our capability in this area by developing systems such as electric motors and motor control units, chargers, electric pumps, electric drivetrain and lithium ion battery packs. Our complete-vehicle expertise and cell-to-pack battery competence, combined with our capabilities in developing lightweight technologies, adds to our overall hybrid and electric vehicle competence."

In addition to developing products and technologies to meet current market demands, Magna has also embarked on the development of next-generation systems and components. An early success of the company's efforts is a collaborative project with Ford Motor Co. on a fully electric, zero-emission BEV to arrive in the U.S. market in 2011.

Magna is the only supplier with the range of capabilities and expertise to develop electric/hybrid vehicle components, systems and sub-systems, and provide complete vehicle integration and assembly. Additionally, through E-Car Systems, Magna has an even greater advantage of being able to draw on the resources of experts in each of these areas as needed on a customer program.

About Magna International

Magna International (www.magna.com) is the most diversified automotive supplier in the world. We design, develop and manufacture automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers of cars and light trucks in North America , Europe , Asia , South America and Africa . Our capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; metal body and structural systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; hybrid and electric vehicle/systems; as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.

We have approximately 72,000 employees in 242 manufacturing operations and 85 product development and engineering centers in 25 countries.

SOURCE MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.