A new Magna plant at Sunderland in England has started producing lightweight, thermoplastic liftgate modules for the third generation Nissan Qashqai. The state-of-the-art greenfield facility employs 280 people, and features several advanced manufacturing technologies, such as robotic adhesive bonding cells, advanced vision systems and ultrasonic leak testing.
A release issued by the company said the thermoplastic liftgate on the new Qashqai is lighter than its steel predecessor, reflecting a growing trend among automakers looking 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 thus helping automakers distinguish their brands, said Magna.
Grahame Burrow, President, Magna Exteriors said, “As consumers continue to embrace SUVs, CUVs and other vehicles with liftgates, we see adoption of these modules increasing year over year, giving us more opportunity to further invest and take advantage of this high-growth, sustainable product line.”
The company will also deliver the liftgates for final vehicle assembly to Nissan’s neighbouring assembly plant. Magna also manufactures lightweight, thermoplastic liftgates for the Qashqai’s sister platform in North America, the 2022 Nissan Rogue.