Magna Seating Systems Awarded for Innovative Lightweight Seating Technology

    LIVONIA, Mich., May 16 Magna Seating Systems (MSS),
received a second place award for the development of its Lightweight Seating
Technology at the Annual Automotive & Transportation Interiors Scholarship
banquet held this evening at the Antheneum Suite Hotel in Detroit.  The award
is Magna Seating System's third in three years.  In 1998, MSS won a first
place award for "best original concept" for the Swing Up Seat(TM) and in 1999,
MSS received an honorable mention for its Automatic Fold & Tumble(TM)
Mechanism.
    MSS was one of twelve finalists selected for their outstanding
contributions to the automotive interiors industry.  Both concept and current
production applications were considered for their impact on comfort and
convenience, manufacturing, or safety technology.  Evaluations were based on
several criteria including originality, innovation, and value to the customer.
Magna's Lightweight Seating system was recognized for its role in the
advancement of comfort and convenience in the automotive interiors industry.
    The award-winning seat system can be seen in GM's 5-passenger Precept
concept vehicle.  The Precept features a variety of advanced technologies
designed to reduce weight and increase overall occupant safety.
    MSS's all new Lightweight Seating system offers exceptional mass savings
and outstanding safety performance in a highly styled, comfortable package.
Additionally, the lightweight seats surpass both FMVSS and GM testing
standards for occupant safety and are ready for application in series
production.  The entire structure, including adjusters, weighs less than 10kg.
    In engineering and designing the Lightweight Seating system, traditional
components were eliminated through the development of innovative attachment
methods.  Extruded aluminum and high strength steel were used extensively to
maintain the seats' light weight and structural integrity.  Manual adjusters
provide 270mm of seat travel and dual recliners allow a full sixty degrees of
seat back adjustment.  Both hardware systems are new Magna Seating System
innovations with the recliner being introduced on a production vehicle in
North America later this year.  The high-back bucket seat provides back and
head support with a full halo-style design.  In addition, both inner and outer
lap belts are attached to the seat structure to optimize access and comfort of
the restraint system.  An open mesh material was used for the seating surface,
replacing conventional polyurethane foam, trim, and suspension components.
    The result is a seating system that blends contemporary materials with
elegant, sophisticated styling matched perfectly for this next generation
vehicle.  Structural elements of the seat were powder coated and intentionally
left exposed to complement specialty leather and open mesh seating surfaces to
achieve the "techno-elegant" styling theme.  In addition to providing weight
savings, the open mesh suspension trim material allows air to freely circulate
through the interior, improving temperature control of the passenger
compartment.
    The Automotive & Transportation Interiors' Design & Technology awards were
created to encourage the development of innovative products, with a focus on
the consumer and overall contribution to the advancement of the automotive
industry.
    Magna Seating Systems is a full seat systems provider with specialized
expertise in delivering feature-based functionality through mechanical
systems.  Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Magna Seating Systems is a
global automotive supplier with more than 10,000 employees and operations
worldwide.  Magna Seating Systems is a Magna go-to company.