BWI Group Celebrates 11 Million MagneRide® Dampers Produced, Signals Next Phase of Growth in Software-Defined Vehicle Era
BWI Group has officially reached a major manufacturing milestone with the production of its 11 millionth MagneRide® damper at its advanced facility in Krosno, Poland. The achievement was marked not with a traditional press release or on-site ceremony, but through a live online technology forum — a fitting choice given MagneRide’s growing role at the intersection of hardware, software, and intelligent mobility systems.
The event drew participation from engineers, automotive academics, and representatives from both legacy automakers and next-generation EV startups, all eager to explore how chassis and suspension technologies are evolving in sync with the rapid digitisation of vehicles. Discussion centered around MagneRide’s transformative potential not just as a premium ride comfort solution, but as a foundational component for the emerging era of software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
BWI Group CEO Liu Xihe emphasized that this milestone is not just an achievement in volume — it is a signal of what’s to come.
We expect significant growth in demand as the industry moves toward greater digitisation and next-generation software-defined vehicle architectures,” said Liu. “MagneRide is ideally positioned for this transition. Its ability to adapt instantly to changing conditions through software control aligns perfectly with the requirements of future vehicle platforms. Our global production network is ready to support this growth, with the flexibility and infrastructure needed to meet rising customer demand worldwide.”
A Global Production Network Fueling Accelerated Adoption
BWI Group’s manufacturing footprint spans three continents, with strategically positioned production facilities in Europe, North America, and Asia to support both established OEM programs and rapidly scaling EV brands.
The Krosno plant in Poland — where the 11 millionth MagneRide® unit rolled off the line — is one of the company’s most technologically advanced sites. The facility has undergone extensive modernisation in recent years, incorporating state-of-the-art automation systems designed to boost throughput while maintaining the precise tolerances required for magnetorheological fluid components.
This plant supplies some of the world’s most prestigious automotive marques, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, Cadillac, and Ford’s Mustang division. In fact, more than 100 vehicle models globally have adopted MagneRide® over the past two decades, cementing its reputation as the go-to semi-active suspension system for high-performance and luxury applications.
Asia Emerges as a Major Growth Engine
While Europe and North America have long been key markets for MagneRide®, the most explosive growth is now occurring in Asia — particularly within China’s booming electric vehicle sector. BWI Group recently began supplying MagneRide® for the all-new Deepal L06, a long-range electric coupe making headlines for its balance of performance and comfort.
To support this momentum, BWI operates two major factories in China: a newly opened Shenzhen facility — inaugurated in March 2025 — and an established plant in Zhangjiakou. Combined, the two sites are expected to deliver an annual output of up to two million MagneRide® units, positioning the company as a preferred chassis partner for emerging EV brands seeking premium ride dynamics without sacrificing efficiency.
How MagneRide® Works: Precision Control at the Speed of Software
What sets MagneRide® apart from conventional suspension systems is its fundamentally different engineering philosophy. Unlike traditional dampers that rely on mechanical valves to regulate fluid flow, MagneRide® uses a valveless design filled with magnetorheological fluid — a liquid embedded with microscopic metallic particles.
Here’s how it works:
- Electromagnetic coils apply a magnetic field to the fluid inside the damper.
- When exposed to this field, the fluid’s viscosity changes almost instantly.
- This enables the suspension system to stiffen or soften in real time — up to 1,000 adjustments per second.
- Data from wheel sensors, accelerometers, and drive mode inputs are processed continuously through dynamic control algorithms.
- The result is a fully closed-loop movement control system that responds proactively rather than reactively.
This high-speed adaptability enables vehicles equipped with MagneRide® to strike the elusive balance between sporty handling and smooth ride comfort. Whether the car is cornering aggressively, encountering potholes, or braking sharply, the system recalibrates instantaneously.
Ready for the Age of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs)
One of MagneRide’s greatest future-proof strengths is its compatibility with SDV architectures, where vehicle functions — from infotainment to performance tuning — are increasingly defined by software rather than hardware.
According to Alessandro Manca, BWI Group’s Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Program Management, MagneRide® is not just semi-active suspension — it’s a software platform in disguise.
Unlike other semi-active solutions, MagneRide continuously adapts through software, making it fully compatible with SDV architectures. This allows OEMs to adjust handling and comfort characteristics without hardware changes and offer vehicles that can evolve over time.”
This opens up exciting possibilities for car manufacturers:
- Ride modes can be updated or added via over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
- Suspension settings can be personalized by user profile, ideal for shared or subscription-based mobility platforms.
- Integration with ADAS and autonomous driving systems enables situational awareness — for example, softening suspension proactively when a rough road is detected via onboard cameras or mapping data.
Real-World Performance Put to the Test
To prove that these benefits are more than just engineering theory, BWI Group enlisted rally driver Tomasz Czopik to conduct a live demonstration during the technology forum. Driving a MagneRide®-equipped vehicle across winding Polish backroads and track surfaces, Czopik showcased how effortlessly the system handles extreme shifts in terrain and driving intensity.
From aggressive cornering to high-speed acceleration, from cobblestone-like terrain to smooth tarmac, the suspension retained composure and grip. Czopik noted that the biggest difference isn’t just stability — it’s predictability, a quality valued as much by enthusiasts as by autonomous vehicle developers.
Watch the Full Technology Forum On-Demand
Automotive engineers, researchers, and enthusiasts who were unable to attend live can still access the complete virtual event. The session includes:
- Expert panel discussions on chassis digitisation and control system integration
- A live factory tour of the Krosno production facility
- On-vehicle performance demonstrations on both road and track
The full recording is available here:
https://mobex.io/webinars/digitising-chassis-systems-upgrading-semi-active-suspension-systems-for-modern-vehicles/
From Performance Luxury to Mainstream Mobility
While MagneRide® first earned its reputation in elite performance cars, BWI Group is now positioning it for mass-market adoption — not just as a premium comfort feature but as a critical enabler of intelligent mobility.
With 11 million units already on the road and production capacity scaling rapidly, MagneRide® is poised to transition from a high-end differentiator to a standard component in future connected and autonomous vehicles.
Whether in a Ferrari navigating Alpine switchbacks, a luxury EV gliding over city streets, or a robotaxi optimizing ride conditions to minimize passenger motion sickness — MagneRide’s ability to turn suspension into software may redefine how we experience motion itself.
