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Autoliv slates Brazilian steering wheel expansionAutoliv slates Brazilian steering wheel expansion

Leading automotive safety systems supplier Autoliv Inc. (Stockholm, Sweden) is investing $9 million at its production facility in Taubaté near Sao Paulo in Brazil to double its steering wheel molding and assembly capacity to more than one million units annually. This will consolidate its position as leading supplier in the region.

PlasticsToday Staff

June 16, 2011

1 Min Read
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This capacity increase positions Autoliv to take advantage of the expected 25% increase of light vehicle demand in Brazil over the next three years. In addition, a Brazilian law mandating 100% adoption of frontal airbags in light vehicles will be phased in through 2014.

"We are excited about the opportunity to further improve our competitive position," commented Steve Fredin, President Autoliv Americas. "Many customers prefer to source the steering wheel assembly with the driver airbag to the same tier one supplier, so we believe this expansion is an important enabler to capitalize on this tremendous growth," added Fredin.

Autoliv began steering wheel operations at the existing Taubaté plant 12 years ago. The plant currently has 77 employees, and expects to increase to nearly 100 employees when the plant reaches full capacity. In total, Autoliv South America employs 1,100 associates at its facilities co-located in Taubaté and produces airbags, seatbelts, seatbelt webbing and steering wheels for the South American market. "Volkswagen, Ford, Peugeot and GM are our largest customers in this market," stated Tom Hartman, President Autoliv South America. -[email protected]

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