Technology company Magna, which is one of the world’s largest suppliers in the automotive industry with a global team of over 175,000 employees across 343 manufacturing operations and 107 product development, engineering and sales centres spanning 28 countries, has strengthened its partnership with German luxury carmaker, Mercedes-Benz.
For several decades, Magna, which is also one of the world’s leading contract manufacturers, has been a strategic partner to Mercedes-Benz. The collaboration has spanned multiple areas of the vehicle, including powertrain and drivetrain systems, ADAS technologies, body and chassis components, electrification, interior systems, vehicle assembly, and more.
“Strong partnerships with our customers are essential for driving innovation and advancing the automotive industry,” said Eric Wilds, Magna Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer. “Our continued partnership with Mercedes-Benz exemplifies how working together can lead to groundbreaking solutions and mutual success.”
This long-term partnership includes the production of more than 500,000 units of the iconic G-Class luxury SUV and off-roader at Magna’s Graz, Austria facility since 1979.
Magna’s carbon neutral state-of-the-art facility can accommodate vehicles with conventional, hybrid and electric powertrains, some on the same production line, providing versatility no other independent manufacturer can match.
On April 20, 2023, the 500,000th Mercedes G-Class luxury SUV built by Magna since 1979 rolled out of the Graz plant in Austria.
Magna’s eDS Duo combines a two-speed, dual e-motor drive with advanced off-road technology and covers a power range of up to 240 kW
eDS Duo: an advanced electric drive system
In 2024, Magna began production of the eDS Duo, a unique eDrive system with exceptional traction properties, at its Lannach, Austria facility, marking a new chapter in the partnership. The all-new electric model of the iconic off-roader – the Mercedes-Benz G 580 – is now equipped with this advanced electric drive system for leading performance and efficiency.
“Having supplied three generations of transfer cases for Mercedes-Benz’s iconic off-roader, Magna is honoured to now equip this legendary vehicle with its first generation of electric units,” said Diba Ilunga, President of Magna Powertrain. “The eDS Duo demonstrates Magna’s flexible approach to delivering powertrain solutions, transitioning seamlessly from internal combustion engines to battery electric vehicles.”
A two-speed, dual e-motor drive covering a power range of up to 240 kW, the eDS Duo offers leading traction and off-road capabilities, including a unique wheel-individual propulsion system that enables features like the ‘G-Turn’, allowing the vehicle to rotate 360 degrees in place. With optimized efficiency and advanced silicon carbide and decoupling technology, the eDS Duo delivers exceptional performance while maintaining high efficiency.
Images: Magna and Mercedes-Benz