Magna Powertrain is set to cut 200 jobs at its facility in Lannach, Austria, due to a significant decline in orders. This downturn is largely attributed to the insolvency of Fisker, for which electric motors were previously intended to be manufactured. With the loss of this contract, Magna Powertrain is facing challenges in maintaining its production levels.
The Lannach facility was envisioned as a key hub for electric mobility, with plans to produce motors for Fisker among other projects. Currently, the plant continues to produce electric motors for the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class, manufactured by Magna Steyr in Graz. However, no additional orders are on the horizon, raising concerns about the facility’s future.
The difficulties extend beyond Lannach, as Magna Powertrain has already decided to close its Roitzsch plant near Bitterfeld, Germany, which produces all-wheel drive transmissions for luxury combustion engine vehicles. This closure will result in another 250 job losses.
Further complicating matters, Jaguar is phasing out production of two modelsâ the combustion engine E-Pace and the electric I-Paceâat Magna Steyr this year, with plans to resume production not expected until 2027. Additionally, the launch of the Ineos Fusilier electric off-road vehicle, which was to be produced by Magna Steyr, has been postponed indefinitely.
Source: Krone
