CROSS-GROUP COLLABORATION:

PREVIEWING A 

LIGHTWEIGHT

FUTURE

When the wraps came off Magna’s LumiGrille with Flecsform at the 2020 CES, it illustrated what the “face” of a futuristic electric vehicle could look like. The concept also demonstrated how cross-group collaboration within Magna results in big steps toward sustainable products.

Engineers and designers from Magna Exteriors and Magna Rohinni Automotive created a lightweight concept that replaces a heavier conventional chrome grille with a translucent polycarbonate panel with micro LEDs. It looks nothing like a conventional grille with holes and an air space to cool the internal-combustion engine.

The eye-catching concept features a 3D contoured surface with ultra-thin and lightweight reconfigurable motion lighting that can curve and shape-shift from a wave to a brand logo to a text message.

The LumiGrille offers car designers an unlimited canvas for their creativity, and the compact lighting package with its minimal power draw puts a premium on efficiency.

“There’s a revolution going on, and the emphasis will be on energy efficiency as we move toward battery- driven mobility,” said Brian Pospy, the business development manager for Magna Rohinni Automotive. “Speed, accuracy and collaboration are the crux of what gives us the ability to make a product like this and to be a leader. We’re at the top of that technology space.”

While products like the LumiGrille are still three to five years away from hitting the market, they are attracting attention and disrupting the way people think about lighting and vehicle design.

“Most importantly, our innovations will make sure that a vehicle’s exterior is as green as it can be,” said Grahame Burrow, Magna Exteriors global president.

Brian Pospy, Magna Rohinni Automotive’s business development manager.

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There’s a revolution going on, and the emphasis will be on energy efficiency as we move toward battery-driven mobility