Magna Joins JCI in Global Consolidation of Car-Interiors Makers

Makers of car seats and dashboards, including Magna International Inc. and Lear Corp., are among those most likely to make acquisitions this year, as automakers seek suppliers with the scale to handle global projects.

With more than $5 billion in cash, suppliers are adding assets that help automakers develop interior features tailored to fast-growing markets such as Brazil and China. Magna, Lear and Johnson Controls Inc. will be among the more aggressive acquirers, said PRTM, a global consulting firm based in Waltham, Massachusetts.