News Release - Magna's Thermoplastic Liftgate Proves Winning Solution for 2019 Jeep Cherokee
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• Recognized with several industry innovation awards
• Achieved a 28 percent mass reduction over steel version
• High-volume application for mass production under one roof
TROY, Michigan, December 19, 2018 – Magna’s completely recyclable thermoplastic liftgate, developed with FCA for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, has collected several industry awards, including first place in the body exterior category at both the European and North American Society of Plastics Engineers automotive innovation awards and the Unsurpassed Innovation Award at the Composites and Advanced Materials Expo.
Magna innovations on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee earned multiple industry awards.
“Working very collaboratively with FCA, we were able to help them replace their previous steel liftgate with a thermoplastic one within a short 18-month timeframe,” said Magna Exteriors Global Product Line Director for Liftgates Riad Chaaya. “This led to a 28 percent mass reduction for the liftgate assembly and enabled greater design freedom.”
The Cherokee liftgate module is the first high-volume application of an all thermoplastic liftgate produced in one location. It is also the first industry use of infrared welding behind a visible exterior surface, which enables structural performance, faster processing and improved dimensional performance.
From a production standpoint, automakers can also benefit from Magna’s full-system assembly and delivery approach, including reduced complexity of the total liftgate module, lower tooling investment and increased throughput at the assembly plant.
TAGS
Thermoplastic liftgates, automotive exteriors, innovation, design
INVESTOR CONTACT
Louis Tonelli, Vice-President, Investor Relations
louis.tonelli@magna.com, 905.726.7035
MEDIA CONTACT
Tracy Fuerst, Global Director of Corporate Communications & PR
tracy.fuerst@magna.com, 248.631.5396
ABOUT MAGNA
We have more than 173,000 entrepreneurial-minded employees dedicated to delivering mobility solutions. We are a mobility technology company and one of the world's largest automotive suppliers with 340 manufacturing operations and 89 product development, engineering and sales centres in 27 countries. Our competitive capabilities include body exteriors and structures, power and vision technologies, seating systems and complete vehicle solutions. Our common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MG) and the New York Stock Exchange (MGA). For further information about Magna, visit www.magna.com.
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