Magna partners with BMW on electric-vehicle racing team

Magna International Inc. has joined BMW AG as a partner in the auto maker’s racing team that participates in the electric-vehicle racing circuit.

Magna will partner with BMW i Andretti Motorsport team in the Formula E circuit in an initiative that will give the auto parts giant a front-row seat to electric vehicle development.

The Formula E championship, which is in its fifth season, consists only of all-electric vehicles and includes races in Hong Kong, New York, Paris and Saudi Arabia.

It’s an opportunity to “help ensure we are building the right foundation for the new mobility landscape,” Swamy Kotagiri, Magna’s chief technology officer, said in a statement.

The partnership will enable Magna executives to meet with start-up companies, consumers and municipal leaders in the cities where races are held, the company said.

Magna will discuss each city’s mobility challenges with the local leaders.

“Paired with existing research, these first-hand conversations will inform future development and collaboration on mobility solutions,” the company said.