Magna International announced that Magna Powertrain (MPT) held a groundbreaking ceremony as construction of its new Mexican facility begins. The new facility is the third building at MPT's growing operations in the region. MPT Ramos will create approximately 230 jobs at the new, 16,000-square metre facility, which is expected to cost USD75 million. A production launch is scheduled for 2016. "MPT Ramos has become a global centre of excellence for Magna Powertrain's AWD and 4WD product lines. This new facility will allow us to extend our AWD capabilities and further our position as a world leader in this field."
Significance: Currently, MPT builds the powertrain for the Ford Focus electric in Mexico, but the new facility is being built to supply all-wheel-drive systems for the next-generation Audi Q5, which will be build in the country, with Audi's production expected to reach 155,000 units by 2018. To showcase its talent in meeting contract solutions as well as connectivity elements, Magna profiled a concept car at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the MIL Blue, which demonstrated functional integration, material substitution and downsizing.
