A new paradigm for automotive door latches,
operates 100% electronically
AURORA, ON, April 19, 2016 /CNW/ - Magna International Inc.
has been selected as a 2016 Automotive News PACE Award
winner for its SmartLatch™ electronic side-door latch system, the
company's fourth PACE Award in the last six years.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160419/357106)
"Our thanks to the judges for recognizing SmartLatch with a PACE
Award," said John O'Hara, president
of Magna Closures. "Development of the industry's first electronic
side-door latch demonstrates our commitment to innovation and
should reinforce our leading global market position in automotive
latching systems."
SmartLatch represents a new paradigm for side-door latches by
operating 100% electronically, with no cables, rods or moving
handles in the door. The industry-first application of the latch
was on the BMW i8, with the system launching soon on a new luxury
sedan. Over the next few model years, SmartLatch will launch on a
number of additional programs with other customers.
Key benefits of SmartLatch to automakers include significant
weight savings compared to mechanical latches, a reduced number of
components, the flexibility to be used in any type of car or truck,
as well as improved safety, sound quality and vehicle styling. As a
result of the elimination of the lock rods, release cables and
handles, SmartLatch provides an innovative, lower-cost door
latching system to global automakers.
"We continually strive to deliver smarter products to our
customers, which can enhance the comfort and convenience of the
person driving the vehicle," said Swamy
Kotagiri, Magna's Chief Technology Officer. "SmartLatch is a
great example of the innovation strategy, forward thinking and
growth opportunities we are capitalizing on because of our
competitive position in the global marketplace."
The Automotive News PACE Awards celebrate the innovations
and achievements of automotive suppliers in moving the industry
forward. PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to
Excellence) winners were announced at the 22nd annual awards
ceremony on April 11, 2016, in
Detroit, Michigan.
About Magna International
We are a leading global
automotive supplier with 305 manufacturing operations and 93
product development, engineering and sales centres in 29 countries.
We have over 139,000 employees focused on delivering superior value
to our customers through innovative products and processes, and
World Class Manufacturing. Our product capabilities include
producing body, chassis, exterior, seating, powertrain, electronic,
vision, closure and roof systems and modules, as well as complete
vehicle engineering and contract manufacturing. Our common shares
trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MG) and the New York Stock
Exchange (MGA). For further information about Magna, visit our
website at www.magna.com.
THIS RELEASE MAY CONTAIN STATEMENTS WHICH CONSTITUTE
"FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS" UNDER APPLICABLE SECURITIES
LEGISLATION AND ARE SUBJECT TO, AND EXPRESSLY QUALIFIED BY, THE
CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMERS THAT ARE SET OUT IN MAGNA'S REGULATORY
FILINGS. PLEASE REFER TO MAGNA'S MOST CURRENT MANAGEMENT'S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL
POSITION, ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM AND ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 40-F,
AS REPLACED OR UPDATED BY ANY OF MAGNA'S SUBSEQUENT REGULATORY
FILINGS, WHICH SET OUT THE CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMERS, INCLUDING THE
RISK FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL EVENTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY
FROM THOSE INDICATED BY SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. THESE
DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW ON MAGNA'S WEBSITE AT
WWW.MAGNA.COM.
SOURCE Magna International Inc.