Magna Steyr to Unveil Three-in-One Vehicle Concept Study at Geneva Motor Show 2012

MILA Coupic demonstrates unique product design and engineering capabilities

GRAZ, Austria, Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Magna International Inc., the world's most diversified automotive supplier, has announced that its Magna Steyr operating unit will unveil the MILA Coupic concept study at the Geneva Motor Show 2012.  The MILA Coupic is a design study which brings together three different vehicle concepts into one.

The sixth concept car in the MILA innovation family, the MILA Coupic is a dynamic SUV coupé which can be transformed into a sporty pick-up or an open-air convertible.

"The MILA Coupic is a great illustration of the unique product design and engineering capabilities we can deliver to customers," said Guenther Apfalter, President of Magna Steyr.  "Our customers expect suppliers like Magna to bring them innovative solutions to help them meet the increasingly demanding challenges of this industry.  The MILA Coupic multifunctional concept showcases vehicle functionality through flexible seating systems, roof modules and materials."

3-in-1 Vehicle Concept

MILA Coupic combines three different vehicle concepts in one--the sporty elegance of a SUV coupé, the full functionality of a robust pick-up, and the secure open-air feeling of a convertible. With its unique adaptability, the MILA Coupic opens up a completely new independent niche in the sports segment.

This novel vehicle concept provides room for up to five persons. In its closed state, the vehicle features the full dynamism of an SUV. The innovative soft top provides for an unusual visual effect of the coupé silhouette. Large glass panels in the soft folding roof not only invest the vehicle with a perfectly shaped appearance on the outside, but also allow passengers to keep everything in view in an incomparable ambience.  The front and rear roof sections of the MILA Coupic can be opened independently of each other due to two separate roof modules. In this way the passengers can enjoy a classic open-air experience.

The rear end of the MILA Coupic offers maximum functionality. By opening the rear folding roof in the direction of the driver's side and the use of an innovative seat module kinematics, the sporty coupé can be transformed into a functional pick-up at the touch of a button. The rear seat module is folded upwards to reveal a generous loading area providing ample room for transporting loads, such as sports equipment or bicycles.

The folded-up seat module effectively seals off and separates the driver's cabin. This protects the passenger space against draughts, rain and dirt, and creates a high degree of comfort and safety for the occupants.

Unique Roof System

The uniqueness of the MILA Coupic is the innovative roof system composed of two independent folding roof modules that operate electronically. Both soft folding roofs are fitted with a variety of transparent glass elements embedded in the textile material. Wider and narrower glass panes alternate to produce an attractive appearance in both closed and open states. Their arrangement also supports the folding of the textile roof in an effective way.

The front roof system above the front seats can be opened from the front to the rear, and offering the driver and front-seat passenger an open-air experience. The rear roof system above the rear seats and the loading area allows for two opening directions and provides optimum variability to the loading area.

Design Cues

MILA Coupic is an impressive combination of textile, glass, roof modules and seating technology. The design draws on the details used in developing modern sports shoes and combines it with the functionality and material elements of the textile field.

The construction is carried out in different layers. The lowest level is the most robust - in tune with the operational demands made on it - it provides stability. The middle layer stands for safety and comfort, whereas the top level invests the vehicle with the typical sportiness and elegance of a coupé. Dynamism and aggressiveness predominate in the front part of the vehicle and, at the same time, the basic volume of the MILA Coupic in the rear area (pick-up area) is presented with a deliberate accent on strength. The roofline is very drawn out and has an ideal alignment in the style typical of a coupé to accommodate the folding mechanism.

Generously dimensioned wheels support the off-road character. The color scheme is a fresh, sporty metallic green - "clash green" - combined with satin-finished, mother-of-pearl white - "crystal white" - and aluminum highlights enhance the unconventional look.

About Magna Steyr

More than 100 years of experience in automobile construction and its comprehensive range of services have turned Magna Steyr, a subsidiary of Magna International, into the world's leading, brand-independent engineering and manufacturing partner for automobile makers. Our extensive range of services consists of the four areas of Engineering, Vehicle Contract Engineering, Roof Systems and Tank Systems. As a contract manufacturer, we have produced some 2.5 million vehicles in 21 models.

Magna Steyr maintains its expertise in 37 locations and employs over 10,500 staff in North America, Europe and Asia.

About Magna

Magna International 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. Our capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; body and chassis systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; hybrid and electric vehicles/systems; as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.

Magna has over 107,000 employees in 286 manufacturing operations and 88 product development, engineering and sales centres in 25 countries.

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SOURCE Magna International Inc.

Image with caption: "The MILA Coupic demonstrates the unique product design and engineering capabilities of Magna Steyr, the world's leading, brand-independent engineering and manufacturing partner for automobile makers. (CNW Group/Magna International Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120228_C7942_PHOTO_EN_10485.jpg