Over the next four years, 1.5 million euros will be invested in projects to develop and validate electric vehicles and to digitise production and supply chain management.
Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) has been working very successfully with automotive supplier Magna for around 20 years, most recently for five years in the research and development programme "MATURE" (MAgna TU Graz REsearch) focused on automated driving and virtual product development and production. This strategic partnership will be continued seamlessly: TU Graz Rector Horst Bischof and Martin Peter, Vice-President Engineering & Technology Magna Steyr, signed the agreement for MATURE II in Graz on 6 December.As part of this collaboration, Magna will provide a total of 1.5 million euros for R&D projects over the next four years. The funding will primarily be used to finance positions for researchers. The projects will be dedicated to the virtual development and validation of electric vehicles as well as the flexibilisation and digitalisation of production and supply chain management.
Strategic partnership for tomorrow’s mobility
"The results from our long-standing research cooperation have been successfully integrated into our vehicle development and production at Magna in Graz," said Martin Peter. "As digitalisation in vehicles progresses and complexity in development and production increases, we need new approaches and solutions to master these challenges and make the most of the opportunities that arise. The cooperation with Graz University of Technology is of great importance to Magna, as it not only provides us with the necessary expertise, but above all gives us access to the most promising talents of tomorrow. Together, we are shaping the future of mobility.""I would like to thank Magna for its long-standing financial commitment and am delighted that we are expanding our strategic partnership through MATURE II," said Horst Bischof. "Challenges in industrial application often give rise to complex scientific questions, especially in vehicle development. By bringing together expertise and experience of Magna and TU Graz, we are able to develop innovative solutions for smart production processes and tomorrow’s mobility. Close collaborations such as this one with Magna are essential for Austria as a centre of excellent science and successful business."
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