Magna Seating Systems Delivers Lightweight Seating Technology
1 March 2000
Magna Seating Systems Delivers Lightweight Seating Technology
LIVONIA, MI, Feb. 29 - In response to General Motors' (GM)
challenge to create a lightweight, fuel-efficient hybrid electric vehicle
(HEV), Magna Seating Systems has developed an innovative lightweight seating
system. The system, created specifically for GM's 5-passenger Precept concept
vehicle, features a variety of advanced technologies that reduce weight and
increase overall occupant safety.
Magna's all new lightweight seating system exceeded GM's expectations for
mass savings and safety performance in a highly styled, comfortable package.
The lightweight seats also surpassed both FMVSS and GM testing standards for
occupant safety and are ready for application in series production. The entire
structure, including adjusters, weighs only 9.7kg, bettering GM's target for a
10kg seat. As a result, the Precept is capable of a remarkable 80-mpg fuel
efficiency.
In engineering and designing the Precept's 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 black polymeric mesh suspension used in the seats is a
significant architectural design element that reinforces the styling theme
employed throughout the Precept's interior space.
The Precept is the result of collaboration between GM, automotive
suppliers, and the US Government under the Partnership for a New Generation of
Vehicles (PNGV) program. PNGV's goal is to advance the fuel economy and
overall environmental safety of automobiles, while delivering a vehicle that
will appeal to the average car buyer.
The GM Precept was a featured concept vehicle at the 2000 North American
International Auto Show.
Photography available upon request.
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.