According to the Toronto Star, the future of the auto industry will be delayed somewhat. Austro-Canadian production outsourcer Magna International says it's postponing launch of the Torrero II prototype — a car it wants to build for an automaker as a high-volume model — citing the need for significant design changes. If Magna can both pull off the project, find a benefactor, and put the car into production, it'll be the first time an automaker outsourced a model's entire development, from design to engineering to assembly — a condition many futurists believe is the future of the automotive industry. If the company can bring the Torrero through the proof-of-concept stage unscathed, Magna boss Mark Hogan said, it could be ready for showrooms by 2009 — just in time for one-pill dinners and robotic housekeepers that crack wise. [Thanks to Pete for the tip.]
Magna Stalls Launch [The Toronto Star]
Related:
Frankfurt Wrap-up: Magna Steyr's Mila CNG Concept [internal]