We must change our style of mobility. Thequestion is ‘Do I need a two-ton vehicle to drivefive kilometers or can I walk, use the bicycle ortake public transport?’ We need to change themix of energy needed for mobility, which is whyelectrification is so important.
Collaborating with Magna colleagues in asystems approach to innovation bringstogether people and perspectives at all levelsof the company – and allows engineers likeSascha Germer to think big.
Germer, a Magna engineer for conceptvehicles based in Lannach, Austria, is part ofa team focusing on the next level ofpowertrain technology. A recent milestone:the 2021 debut of the Magna EtelligentEco,an intelligent, connected plug-in hybridelectric vehicle system that reducesgreenhouse gas emissions by up to 38%.The new technology will be presented topotential customers this summer.
“I not only collaborate with engineers, butalso product managers and seniormanagers in different areas of expertise,”said Germer, a 13-year Magna veteran. “Weare developing new products and new ideasfor the future of the company – and for thepeople who buy cars.”
Vehicle electrification is a top priority.
Germer is responsible for the functionalintegration of software, electronics andmechanical components in the concept carsused to showcase Magna technology. Magnabuys premium production vehicles andtransforms them into concept cars to showits best-in-class products, such asEtelligentEco. This approach gives thecustomer a real-world look at how newtechnology will fit and function in itsproducts.
In addition to helping Magna define thefuture, Germer is growing in his career.
“I switched jobs in 2020,” he explained. “I wasworking on vehicle dynamics in all-wheel-drive powertrains. I wanted to developsomething new and have more connectionswith other Magna people. I wanted moreresponsibility and I want to be involved in thefuture of our products. This job was a goodopportunity to gain experience and step intosome big shoes.”
His new role also aligns nicely with hispersonal values and interests.
Germer is an avid cyclist who enjoys hiking,mountaineering and back-country skiing. Heowns five bicycles and often cycles the 25kilometers from his home in Graz to his jobin Lannach. On the weekends, he uses aVolkswagen T5 van that he customized withsolar panels on the roof.
“As humans, we waste too much fromMother Earth,” Germer said. “We mustchange our style of mobility. The question is‘Do I need a two-ton vehicle to drive fivekilometers or can I walk, use the bicycle ortake public transport?’ We need to changethe mix of energy needed for mobility, whichis why electrification is so important.”
Collaboration with other Magna expertshelps Germer to “focus on the right nextsteps and to prioritize.”
“It’s a simple formula,” he said. “If there iscollaboration, we are successful.”