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Magna conducts tests on multi-material lightweight vehicle

05 Feb '15

2 min read

Global automotive supplier Magna International has completed validation testing on multi-material lightweight vehicle (MMLV) concept, in cooperation with Ford Motor Company and the US department of energy (DOE).

Magna recently co-presented the test results with Ford at the SAE 2015 Government/Industry Meeting in Washington, DC. As part of the presentation, results of a life cycle assessment (LCA) study were disclosed, in which the lightweight auto parts of the MMLV vehicle design were compared to the conventional auto parts of the baseline 2013 Ford Fusion. According to the test results, the MMLV design offers clear advantages in terms of global warming potential and the use of energy, the company said in a press release.

Swamy Kotagiri, Magna’s chief technical officer said, “The MMLV project shows the potential benefits of combining lightweight vehicle technologies and a downsized, high-output engine to reduce greenhouse gases and total energy. While this is a research prototype, the MMLV points the way to a more sustainable future. We at Magna are working diligently to make these lightweight technologies affordable for high volume production.”

The MMLV concept is based on the production version of a 2013 Ford Fusion and defines a new aluminium intensive passenger car structure. The concept, which also makes use of carbon fibre, magnesium and titanium, reduces the weight of the Fusion to that of a 2013 Ford Fiesta, making the weight of a CD segment family sedan approximately equal to that of a subcompact B-car – two vehicle segments lighter – without compromising performance or occupant safety.

The project includes engineering, prototype vehicle build and selected validation testing associated with a new, aluminium intensive passenger vehicle design architecture, facilitating an extensive use of advanced lightweight and high-strength materials, resulting in environmental and fuel-economy benefits. (GK)

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