OBERWALTERSDORF, Austria, March 4 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Magna is presenting the latest member of the MILA innovation family at the Geneva Motor Show 2009: mila ev -- a forward-looking automotive concept, uncompromising, universally applicable and suited to daily use in every way. The outstanding element and centerpiece of the mila ev is its fully integrated electric vehicle platform which can be used by every OEM to realize their own product, drive and design strategies in the shortest of time.
(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2009/03/04/200903041450.jpg )
A new vehicle concept
A new vehicle concept has been developed in the shape of the mila ev in which the electric drive represents both the starting point and end point of development. In other words, a vehicle concept optimized for an alternative, forward-looking drive technology in all the developmental steps and thus representing no subsequent modification, retrofitting or conversion of an already existing concept. Without compromise, as only can be expected from a complete-systems provider proficient in understanding complete vehicle systems and outstanding expertise in system integration built up over many years.
Direct from concept to series production
The novel platform on which the mila ev is based is a completely developed concept which can be used for production-vehicle development immediately and thus for series production in the shortest of time -- as a genuine electric vehicle or, thanks to the intelligent design, with natural gas, fuel cells or hybrid drive.
Advantages
1. No modification of classical vehicle concepts, but rather a
functionally optimized platform for all vehicle features (weight,
strength, NVH, crash, etc.)
2. Full flexibility and adaptability to the strategies, needs and designs
of all OEMs.
3. The expertise advantage from Magna: one-stop provision from components
to the complete vehicle, including a business model for production.
4. Cost advantage: common utilization by a variety of OEMs and/or for
different drive versions means higher production runs and thus lower
costs.
5. Magna Steyr as ideal manufacturing partner: with the well-proven Flex
Plant concept, all versions can be made on one single production line.
Design and Engineering
The concept study of the mila ev, which will be presented in Geneva as show car, is a five-door version with a length of about 4m and a wheelbase of 2.5m. The rolling lines of the body provide for graceful esthetics. At the same time, the connecting line between headlights and side windows lends the vehicle a futuristic and elegant look. The lateral running sensor strip is at one and the same time design element, door opener and "fuel gauge" which shows, clearly visibly, the current battery charge. Additionally, the integrated door opener is activated by an electronic key. The solar cells integrated in the glass roof serve as additional energy generation; the usually large wing mirrors of conventional vehicles have been replaced in mila ev by aerodynamic reverse-view cameras.
The mila ev is driven by a 67 hp electric motor supplied by one of the lithium-ion batteries developed by Magna Steyr. At an average charging time of 2.5 hours, ranges of up to 150 km can be achieved.
About Magna Steyr:
Magna Steyr, an operating unit of Magna International Inc., is the leading global, brand-independent engineering and manufacturing partner to the OEMs. Magna Steyr's capabilities range from development and manufacturing of components and systems up to engineering and assembly of complete vehicles.
About Magna International:
Magna International ( http://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; as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.
Magna has approximately 74,000 employees in 240 manufacturing operations and 86 product development, engineering and sales centers in 25 countries.
