Magna and Ford Motor Company partner to introduce zero-emission battery electric vehicle

AURORA, ON, January 11, 2009: Magna International, the world's most diverse auto parts supplier, announced today a vehicle-development partnership with Ford Motor Company to introduce a zero-emission lithium-ion battery electric vehicle (BEV) to be delivered to market in 2011.

The electric vehicle, which Ford announced at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a key vehicle in their electrification strategy, will be a small car with an expected range of up to 100 miles without using a drop of gasoline and without compromising customer performance expectations. The Ford BEV is expected to offer consumers a familiar driving experience - it will operate similar to a conventional vehicle, but with smoother acceleration, less noise and zero emission.

"This vehicle adds an important piece to Ford's product lineup with a zero-emission vehicle that will be both affordable and meets customers' needs," said Don Walker, co-CEO of Magna International. "In addition, the joint partnership demonstrates valuable OEM/supplier collaboration by sharing in the expertise and investment that the auto industry now requires for new advancements in energy independence and reduced CO(2) emissions."

"Our collaboration with Magna on a Ford BEV is the result of a shared vision of the potential of electrification in transportation," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president, Product Development. "This partnership leverages the technical expertise of two global companies to achieve a common goal, delivering a no-compromise, zero- emission, battery powered car for the retail market."

Magna will be responsible for providing critical components that make-up the powertrain and battery modules in the vehicle. In addition, Magna will also play a key role in the engineering required to integrate the electric propulsion system and other new systems into the vehicle architecture.

  Vehicle/Technology Specifications:

Small car powered by an electric motor;

Single-speed transmission;

Battery pack expected range of up to 100 miles;

On-board battery charger capable of plugging into a 110- or 220-volt
standard outlet;

Expected 12 hour charge time at 110 volts; 6 hours at 220 volts;

High-voltage powered HVAC compressor; and

High-voltage auxiliary heater.

The partnership with Ford and development of the Ford BEV demonstrates Magna's commitment to industry-leading innovation in materials, processes and products. From reducing mass to increasing comfort and forging new paths in customer collaboration, Magna's expertise in design, engineering and manufacturing continues to play a role in the development of next-generation cars and trucks.