Magna Secures Additional Business For Freeform™ Seat Trim Technology
November 04 2021 - 7:20AM
Automakers are increasingly distinguishing themselves through
styling and Magna’s FreeForm™ seating technology is just the
answer. Launching on four new vehicles, one later this year and
three in 2022, the distinctive seat trim technology provides a
clean, sculpted and seamless styling surface and allows a number of
design possibilities.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/67226f71-c783-4992-b13c-6759db7edec8
“Automotive seat design has become an even more important
consideration in light of the rapidly evolving mobility landscape
and the resulting shift toward interiors and in-car experience,”
said John Wyskiel, President of Magna Seating Systems.
FreeForm™ first hit the market first in 2020 on the Cadillac XT5
and will now launch with other automakers on a large SUV, a midsize
crossover, a sedan and an all-electric SUV – all expected to hit
dealerships in 2022.
“We are seeing an increasing demand from both traditional
customers and new entrants alike seeking to offer superior comfort
and design features and create a more “homelike” cabin, as well as
utilize more eco-friendly materials. FreeForm™ technology can
deliver on all fronts,” added Wyskiel.
FreeForm™ enables automotive studios and stylists to design an
interior that was previously not possible. The technology
represents the future of interior styling and can be an important
differentiator. It offers multiple benefits:
Styling flexibilityFreeForm™ can achieve design
details as sharp as a 1mm radius compared to 20-25mm for
traditional cut and sew. This allows automotive stylists greater
design possibilities to achieve various shapes and forms, and
crisper lines.
Comfort benefitsThe new seat trim technology
offers improved back comfort thanks to more than 100mm of concavity
– nearly impossible with traditional cut and sew. Coupled with
bolsters, this offers enhanced support for the lower back as it
reduces fatiguing micro-motions of the spine. Furthermore,
FreeForm™ is created with a foam laminate which results in a
moldable surface that is four times more breathable than comparable
molded trim products – further enhancing seat comfort.
Sustainable materialsFreeForm™ back panel seats
contain up to 50% proprietary polyols derived from recycled
polyethylene terephthalate and the seating surface contains up to
20% renewable materials from a bio-feedstock – resulting in an
overall more sustainable product.
Cleaning advantagesThe smooth surface of
FreeForm™ allows for seats to be more quickly and easily cleaned.
The seat covers can also be easily removed for cleaning and routine
maintenance making them appealing for future mobility scenarios
like ride sharing.
Additional cabin spaceFreeForm™ back panels
provide a “soft touch” surface with draw capabilities of up to four
inches – offering a significant amount of added leg room.
TAGSAutomotive seating, automotive seat systems, automotive
interior design, new mobility
INVESTOR CONTACTLouis Tonelli, Vice-President, Investor
Relations louis.tonelli@magna.com, 905.726.7035
MEDIA CONTACTTracy Fuerst, Vice President, Corporate
Communications & PRtracy.fuerst@magna.com, 248-761-7004
ABOUT MAGNAMagna is more than one of the world’s largest
suppliers in the automotive space. We are a mobility technology
company with a global, entrepreneurial-minded team of 158,000
employees and an organizational structure designed to innovate like
a startup. With 60+ years of expertise, and a systems approach to
design, engineering and manufacturing that touches nearly every
aspect of the vehicle, we are positioned to support advancing
mobility in a transforming industry. Our global network includes
347 manufacturing operations and 87 product development,
engineering and sales centres spanning 28 countries.
For further information about Magna [(NYSE:MGA; TSX:MG)], please
visit www.magna.com or follow us on Twitter @MagnaInt.
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