Magna announces first quarter 2009 results

AURORA, ON, May 6, 2009: Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG.A; NYSE: MGA) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009.

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

We posted sales of $3.6 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009, a decrease of 46% from the first quarter of 2008. This lower sales level was a result of decreases in our North American, European and Rest of World production sales, complete vehicle assembly sales, and tooling, engineering and other sales.

During the first quarter of 2009, North American average dollar content per vehicle increased by 4% while our European average dollar content per vehicle decreased by 4%, each compared to the first quarter of 2008. In addition, North American and European vehicle production declined 50% and 40%, respectively, each compared to the first quarter of 2008.

Complete vehicle assembly sales decreased 63% to $401 million for the first quarter of 2009 compared to $1,086 million for the first quarter of 2008, while complete vehicle assembly volumes declined 72% to approximately 12,043 units.

During the first quarter of 2009, operating loss was $230 million, net loss was $200 million and diluted loss per share was $1.79, decreases of $516 million, $407 million and $ 3.57, respectively, each compared to the first quarter of 2008.

During the first quarter ended March 31, 2009, we generated cash from operations of $9 million before changes in non-cash operating assets and liabilities, and invested $52 million in non-cash operating assets and liabilities. Total investment activities for the first quarter of 2009 were $114 million, including $96 million in fixed asset additions, and $22 million increase in other assets.

A more detailed discussion of our consolidated financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009 is contained in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Position and the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which are attached to this Press Release.

DIVIDENDS

Our Board of Directors yesterday voted to suspend our quarterly dividend with respect to our Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and Class B shares.

Vincent J. Galifi, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer said, "We are facing the worst industry conditions in decades, particularly in our primary markets. These conditions continue to adversely affect our financial results and cash flow. We believe preserving cash and maintaining a strong financial position is prudent at this time. Our Board's decision to suspend our dividend as a result of continued uncertainty about the timing of an industry recovery is consistent with this view. We will continue to comply with our Corporate Constitution, which sets out minimum dividend distributions, based on our profitability."

We are the most diversified global automotive supplier. We design, develop and manufacture technologically advanced automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") of cars and light trucks. Our capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; body and chassis systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.

We have approximately 70,000 employees in 240 manufacturing operations and 86 product development, engineering and sales centres in 25 countries.

We will hold a conference call for interested analysts and shareholders to discuss our first quarter results on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. EST. The conference call will be chaired by Vincent J. Galifi, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. The number to use for this call is 1-800-892-9785. The number for overseas callers is 1-212-231-2910. Please call in 10 minutes prior to the call. We will also webcast the conference call at MAGNA. The slide presentation accompanying the conference call will be available on our website Tuesday morning prior to the call.