Canada-based
Magna International has started production at its new Sunderland factory, which recently celebrated its grand opening, is now manufacturing lightweight, thermoplastic liftgate modules for the third generation Nissan Qashqai.
Magna’s investment in the ‘state of the art’ facility, which employs 280 people, features several advanced manufacturing technologies, including robotic adhesive bonding cells, advanced vision systems and ultrasonic leak testing.
The thermoplastic liftgate on the new Qashqai is lighter than its steel predecessor, reflecting a growing trend among automotive manufacturers to reduce mass to help improve fuel economy and lower emissions. Thermoplastic materials enable deeper draws, complex geometries and tighter radii, resulting in greater styling and design freedom which is helping car makers to distinguish their brands.
Magna Exteriors president Grahame Burrow, said: “The market is transitioning to more lightweight, thermoplastic liftgates, and we are excited to support that effort. As consumers continue to embrace SUVs, CUVs and other vehicles with liftgates, we see adoption of these modules increasing year-on-year, giving us more opportunity to further invest and take advantage of this high-growth, sustainable product line.”
Magna will deliver the liftgates for final vehicle assembly to Nissan’s neighbouring assembly plant. A market leader in lightweight, thermoplastic liftgates, the company also manufactures them for the Qashqai’s sister platform in North America, the 2022 Nissan Rogue.