Magna Signs on as Primary Partner for BMW i Andretti Motorsport Formula E Team

The ABB FIA Formula E Championship is the only racing series for all-electric vehicles and as part of the series, races are held in major cities around the world which are currently facing complex mobility challenges.

Many major cities have already recognized how important autonomy, electrification and mobility services will be when it comes to the future of mobility in urban centers. As part of Magna’s commitment to helping shape future mobility, the company announced that it will be serving as the primary partner of the BMW i Andretti Motorsport team in Formula E races.

Magna says that its collaboration with Formula E is the most significant engagement it has undertaken with a motorsports team in its history and the company sees this as a real-world chance to make a difference.

Commenting on the partnership, Swamy Kotagiri, Magna’s CTO said that working with BMW i Andretti Motorsport on Formula E is a great fit and will serve as one of the company’s many opportunities to ensure it is building the right foundation for the new mobility landscape. According to Kotagiri, Formula E is already highlighting how exciting, thrilling and fascinating electromobility can be.

Formula E will serve as a strong platform for Magna to advance its engagement with startups, city leaders, universities and consumers in city centers. Magna is planning to engage with a wide range of leaders in each city where races are held about its specific mobility challenges. The information from such interactions will be used in tandem with current research to shape future development and collaboration on mobility solutions.

Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Brand BMW, said that BMW believes in innovation leadership and the company is a pioneer when it comes to electromobility. The German automotive manufacturer has been involved with Formula E as its ‘Official Vehicle Partner’ right from the inception of the series. According to him, both BMW i and Formula E share the same values of pioneering spirit and innovation. He concluded by saying that BMW along with its new partner Magna, was looking forward to the new season.

The fifth season of the Formula E series will begin with a race in Saudi Arabia on December 15, 2018, and will continue till July 2019 with races in major cities of the world including Hong Kong, Paris and New York City.