One thing is clear: Forseven is designing a luxury line and there is a connection to Graz. Former Jaguar boss Nick Collins is now CEO of Forseven. During his time at Jaguar, models were produced in Graz, and production will be stopped at the end of the year. Magna is currently trying to get more orders, especially from China. Representatives from the company recently traveled to China, where interested parties visited the production facility in Graz.
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These actions will be accelerated by the EU’s possible punitive tariffs on Chinese cars. Xpeng, GAC and Chery are Chinese manufacturers eligible for production at Magna. The EU’s final decision on the punitive tariffs is expected by November at the latest.
In addition, BMW has been struggling with problems with its supplier Continental’s brake system since the spring. It has now been announced that BMW will have to recall 1.5 million vehicles. Conti’s innovative braking system (“Brake by wire”) was installed in affected models, such as the 5, 7 series and SUV. Although complete brake failure is ruled out, problems can still occur. Here too, the vehicles in Graz are to be improved.
However, the planned Forseven production and the BMW order will not yet fully utilize the plant in Graz. Development of the vehicles will take at least two years, meaning production won’t start until 2026 at the earliest. This order could partly compensate for the loss of the last canceled order: Ineos had suspended production of its Fusilier electric off-road vehicle. Nevertheless, Magna will need additional orders to fully utilize the plant, especially after the collapse of the Fisker project, which also led to a loss of orders.
2024-09-12 15:44:58
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