Renault Introduces First European OEM Front Swivel Seat For Enhanced Passenger Accessability (Can Nissan Be Far Behind?) - VIDEO ENHANCED

But First Snide's Remarks: For more than 15 years I have been asking the world's car makers why they don't offer a Swivel Seat as a factory option...15 years and finally Renault has recognized the need and has done something about it..where were the smart American car guys whose products really needed a unique option to move the older vehicle buyer to their side. We believe that this is one more example of the lack of "smarts" demonstrated by the overpaid and underqualified management. What do you think? msnide@theautochannel.com

PARIS - April 2, 2010: As part of its Mobility for All campaign, and in response to demand from customers across Europe, Renault is to introduce a new, optional front passenger swivel seat for New Clio which is designed to make it easier for passengers to get in and out of the car.

A simple, user-friendly solution
This new, comfortable swivel seat is based on simple, easy-to-use technology which comprises a swiveling base located beneath the original seat. The seat turns through 75 degrees by pulling on an easily accessible lever which is also situated underneath the seat, to the right of the outward-facing side. When the seat is turned towards the exterior, it is ideally positioned to enable the passenger to sit on it like an ordinary armchair. Activating the lever a second time permits the seat to resume its original position, facing the direction of travel.

Click PLAY to watch video of the new swivel seat

The swivel seat is a fully integrated part of New Clio's cabin and has no impact on the car's structure, styling, comfort or safety compared with vehicles that don't have this seat. To make it even more practical still, the new seat comes with a footrest. When the car is moving, this footrest can be lifted and folded away into the seat's base so as not to hinder the occupant. The passenger seat is identical to the driver's seat, with full fore/aft and seatback adjustability. Renault's swivel seat is designed to seat passengers of up to 130kg in weight.

First class safety
The seat locks automatically into place to allow the passenger to get into and out of the car safely, and also to ensure it doesn't move while the vehicle is being driven. It comes with all the usual guaranties with regard to passenger safety, including the same passive safety equipment (lateral airbag and pretensioners in the case of five-door versions, or lateral and anti-submarining airbags in the case of three-door models).

The swivel seat is subjected to the same validation/crash test processes as conventional seats and complies with Renault's exacting quality standards, enabling it to be marketed as an option today.

A first in Europe

Renault is the first European motor manufacturer to include this feature in its catalogue. The swivel seat can be specified like any other option and is fitted directly at the Flins factory, in France, as the car comes off the assembly line, so there is no change to the delivery lead time for the customer.

Markets
In 2010: France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland. The swivel seat's availability will be extended to other markets and other models from the Renault range at a later date.

Price
The swivel seat is optionally available for the three- and five-door versions of New Clio's Expression Clim* and Dynamique Tom Tom equipment levels at a tax-paid price of €1,600 (French market). This price is significantly lower than the prices currently seen on the conversions market (approximately €2,500 for an equivalent product from an after-sales fitment supplier). * Due for release in June RENAULT TECH: THE VEHICLE CONVERSIONS SPECIALIST

The swivel seat function is the fruit of RENAULT TECH's unique savoir faire. Created in 2008, this department designs, manufactures and markets vehicle conversions, as well as associated services, to meet the needs of business customers and ordinary motorists alike, in total compliance with the Renault Group's exacting quality standards.

RENAULT TECH's activities cover four areas:

•small production runs of items such as options (swivel seat for Clio, rear sensors for Laguna…), accessories or decals (ex : Twingo), etc.,
•collaboration with partners for the development and production of Renault solutions alongside the mainstream Renault range: Clio LPG, Master Grand Volume, Extended Cab Kangoo, etc.,
•the provision of a service to fleet sales thanks to a holistic approach to the needs of specific conversions (La Poste, EDF, etc.),
•the design and production of additional solutions as part of the Group's Mobility for All campaign: driving tuition vehicles, vehicles for the transport of people with reduced mobility, air suspension for Renault Master, and various swivel seats. Conversions facilities:
•A bespoke factory in Heudebouville, Normandy (France).
•RENAULT TECH satellite facilities at the end of the assembly line at:
o Batilly, Maubeuge, Flins, Douai and Sandouville (France)
o Barcelona and Palencia (Spain)
o Novomesto (Slovenia)