Ford Won’t Be The Only OEM with Magna’s EV Technology

With the 2012 Focus BEV, Ford may be the first automaker to apply Magna’s electric vehicle technology to a production vehicle, but it may not be the last.

The Canadian supplier revealed this week that it was not only openly offering its EV powertrain to other automakers, but that it has or is close to closing deals with several other companies.

“Magna sees this as a growth opportunity,” said J.E. Robertson, Magna’s chief technical officer.

Surprisingly, Ford reportedly approves of the idea. According to Robertson, the Blue Oval has no exclusivity rights to the EV technology, but will be the first OEM to roll it into production. If Magna were to sell the same technology to other companies (it was designed to fit a variety of different vehicle types), Ford will benefit from a purchasing perspective — as Magna sells more, costs will theoretically decrease.

Magna won’t disclose other customers, but we wouldn’t be surprised if Opel — Magna’s latest purchase — used the EV system, especially in the city car the brand is interested in developing.

Source: Ward’s Auto World