Magna,a mobility technology company, entered into a joint venture (JV) with GAC subsidiary, GAC Component Co., Ltd. (GACC), to produce composite liftgates for a global automaker’s crossover vehicle starting in late 2018 on a new 55,900 square-foot facility located in Changsha, China. With the addition of this JV facility, Magna now expands to 50 facilities in China. Grahame Burrow, President, Magna Exteriors, said, “We’re seeing tremendous demand for advanced material innovations as manufacturers pursue all opportunities to take weight out of vehicles to meet emissions requirements. I am very pleased we have formed this JV with GACC as it provides great opportunities for future growth in liftgates and other lightweight exterior products going forward.” With high global demand for crossover and sport utility vehicles, the global demand for lightweight, fully recyclable, composite liftgates is high. Liftgate modules can achieve reduction of up to 25 percent mass over steel versions and are delivered as complete assemblies to the customer. Composite materials have greater design flexibility with deeper draws and tighter radii. Further, the complexity of the total liftgate module is reduced resulting in lower tooling investment and increased throughput at the assembly plant. Magna Liftgate Burrow, added, “Magna’s expertise in advanced materials and manufacturing, combined with GACC’s deep connection to the world’s largest automotive market, certainly ensures the strength of this strategic partnership.” The company has produced one of the largest-volume thermoplastic liftgates Jeep Cherokee which is sold in the US. Magna also produced the industry’s first all-thermoplastic, fully recyclable liftgate module in North America in 2014 Nissan Rogue.