Magna's next CEO predicts big gains for driver assistance systems

Incoming Magna International CEO Swamy Kotagiri expects strong growth for driver assistance systems and believes that fully autonomous cars will become a reality in controlled settings by 2025. Kotagiri, Magna's current chief technology officer who starts his new job January 1, also discussed the supplier's growing lidar business and its fuel cell plans with Automobilwoche, a German language sister publication of Automotive News Europe.

How well prepared is Magna to capitalize on megatrends such as autonomous driving, electrification and connectivity?
In the powertrain area, we cover the entire portfolio right through to all-wheel and electric drives. In terms of transmissions, we are currently taking the step toward hybridized dual-clutch transmissions. Production is already running. So, we have a solid foundation and we are consistently pursuing our roadmap. In the area of driver assistance systems, we expect significant growth beyond 2023. A good example of this is our Clearview mirror technology. Here we have won an order from a global vehicle manufacturer that will be launching the system in several vehicle models in 2022. The camera and mirror technology is combined with intelligent image processing systems, electronics and software.