SOUTHFIELD—Lear Corp. (NYSE: LEA), the automotive electronics and seating supplier, announced that it had been selected by General Motors to be the exclusive supplier of battery disconnect units on all full-size SUVs and trucks built on the automaker’s Ultium EV platform through 2030.
Lear is working with state and local officials on a plan to open a new manufacturing facility in Michigan with an anticipated investment exceeding $80 million. The site, which will manufacture BDUs and other electrification components, is expected to generate $500 million in annual electrification sales when it reaches full production.
The BDU award also expands Lear’s existing business with GM and represents the single largest electrification platform win for Lear’s E-Systems division – reinforcing its continued growth as a leading provider of fast-to-market, system-solutions for electric vehicles.
“Lear is developing innovative technologies that are driving the widespread adoption of electric vehicles,” said Ray Scott, Lear president and CEO. “This additional new business with GM was made possible by Lear’s recognized value proposition in electrification that combines flexible manufacturing operations and advanced Industry 4.0 automation technologies with our vertically integrated capabilities.”
The BDU is the primary interface between a vehicle’s battery pack and electrical system. The Automotive News PACE Award-winning Lear BDU offers thermal management innovations that enable electric vehicles to charge faster and drive farther.
Lear’s BDU application also delivers the higher performance requirements needed to power larger electric vehicles – supporting GM’s electrification efforts in North America, where SUVs and light-duty trucks comprise most new vehicle sales.
More at www.lear.com.