Magna to build new BMW 5 Series

Canadian auto parts supplier Magna International Inc. has landed a deal with German automaker BMW Group to build BMW’s 5 Series sedan at its contract assembly plant in Graz, Austria.

In a statement, Aurora, Ont.-based Magna said production on the new vehicle will be split between its site in Graz and BMW’s own manufacturing plant in Dingolfing, Germany.

“We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the BMW Group,” said Günther Apfalter, president of the Magna’s Europe operations and Magna Steyr. “The new collaboration emphasizes our customer’s continued trust in our contract manufacturing capability and our unmatched leadership position in this area.”

Magna’s strategic partnership with the BMW Group began in 2001. Magna started manufacturing the BMW X3 in 2003, followed by the MINI Countryman in 2010 and the MINI Paceman in 2012. The new BMW 5 Series will succeed the two MINI vehicles.

Production on the BMW 5 is expected to begin in 2017.

With new business awards from BMW and JLR starting production in 2017, and a contract extension on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Magna’s Graz facility is expected to reach approximately 200,000 vehicles per year by 2018, Magna said.