International Audience at the European All-Wheel Drive Congress in Graz

More than 250 participants from 12 countries, representing many international companies, attended the 10^th European All-Wheel Drive Congress, April 13 – 15, 2011, in the Convention Center of Graz, Austria.

Keynote speakers Shigeo Murata (Nissan Motor), Mihai Rasidescu (CTA-BRP-UdeS), Horst Bormann (Adam Opel), and Michael Schöffmann (Audi) earned much applause for their engaging presentations.

Exhibition

As on previous occasions, the accompanying exhibition in the Convention Center was well received by the international experts. It also offered a perfect platform for the participating companies to showcase their products, services, and know-how.

Get Together

The Nikola Tesla Laboratory in the Inffeldgasse – normally a building where huge transformers are subjected to high-voltage experiments – provided a vibrant stage for the social evening on April 14. Welcome cocktails and dinner were served, as guests found time to reflect on the first day of the conference and made use of this evening to network. One thing is for certain – this setting is a place to remember.

Test Drives and Guided Tour of the Plant

As the crowning finale of the Congress, conference participants were treated to vehicle presentations and test drives on MAGNA STEYR’s test track. These included off-road rides in classical cars such as the Pinzgauer 6x6 and the Mercedes-Benz G class, as well as demonstration drives with the latest products and innovations previously introduced by participating company representatives.

Innovations shown by MAGNA Powertrain included the FLEX4 disconnect system and the fully active, all-wheel drive coupling system, DYNAMAX. During the maneuvers, our guests were able to experience for themselves the sheer fascination of “All-Wheel Drive and more”. There were also two guided tours of the plant, showing interested visitors the production line of the Mercedes-Benz G class and Aston Martin Rapide.

We wish to take this opportunity to thank the entire project team, the participants, and the sponsors for the perfect cooperation and organization. The positive feedback from external and internal visitors confirms that the All-Wheel Drive Congress was a great success in every respect.