Car manufacturers are always known for coming up with radical new ideas to bring greater comfort and convenience to their customers, just like in the development of EBC Redstuff brake pads. In the development of such technologies, car manufacturers often enlist the help of other companies. One example of this is the development of an innovative seating arrangement for DaimlerChrysler minivans. The cutting-edge seat design for the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country was developed with the assistance of Intier Automotive Seating, which is an operating unit of Magna International Incorporated. The two models in the DaimlerChrysler family feature relatively new technology in terms of their seating arrangements.

Both minivans on display at this year’s North American International Auto Show feature Swivel ‘n Go technology developed by Intier Automotive Seating. The technology allows the second row of seats to rotate 180 degrees to face the third row of seats. The patented technology allows for greater comfort and relaxation by allowing occupants in the second row to face those in the third row, especially when conversing. A pull-out table is also part of the technologically advanced seating arrangement. The swivel seats can also be removed, meaning more cargo space can easily be provided.

Swivel seats rotate outward, making it easier for occupants to get in and out of the vehicle. It also makes installing a child safety seat much easier.

The cargo capacity for which a minivan is known is evident in both Chrysler vehicles. This is due to the fact that the third row of seats can be folded at the touch of a button. This feature easily increases the cargo capacity of Town & Country minivans and Grand Caravans. The folding operation takes just fifteen seconds to complete, which is also another radical piece of technology for a minivan. The versatility of the seating arrangement is evident in the number of ways the third row of seats can be folded. Another innovative feature offered by the third row of seats is an obstacle detection system. This means that the seats will not fold if an object or person is in its path.

Intier Automotive Seating’s dedication to developing this radical seating arrangement is highlighted by Jeff Lambert, Intier Automotive Seating’s chief engineer for Chrysler Group minivan seating, in his statement. “Today’s consumers are spending more and more time in their vehicles and ultimately placing more emphasis on comfort and convenience. The Swivel ‘n Go seating system, an industry first in the North American market, raises the bar by offering a family room on wheels.”

Intier Automotive Seating’s parent company, which is Magna International Incorporated, is one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers. The company performs a variety of services for the automotive industry including the design, development and manufacturing of automotive systems. The company also designs and assembles complete vehicles that are sold primarily to original equipment manufacturers of cars and trucks in the North American region. The company also covers a wide range of services such as design, engineering, testing and manufacturing of automotive interiors. They also specialize in the production of plastic body panels, as well as powertrain and transmission systems for vehicles. Intier Automotive Seating is its division that develops complete seating systems and seating mechanisms for its customers in the automotive industry.