Magna Gains More Business for New Seat Technology

Automotive supplier Magna announces it has picked up more customers for its FreeForm seat trim technology.

First seen in 2020 on the Cadillac XT5, the seat trim technology will launch with other automakers on a large SUV, a midsize CUV, a sedan and an all-electric SUV – all expected to reach dealerships in 2022, Magna says.

FreeForm provides a clean, sculpted and seamless styling surface with high seat concavity, improved comfort and enhanced cleanability. It offers a wide range of design possibilities for automotive studios and stylists to create distinctive interiors.

“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,” John Wyskiel, president-Magna Seating Systems, says in a news release.

“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,” he says.

FreeForm offers styling flexibility by achieving design details as sharp as a 1-mm radius compared to 25 mm (1 in.) for some traditional cut and sew operations. This provides automotive stylists with greater possibilities to design various shapes and forms, and crisper lines.

The new seat trim technology offers improved back comfort thanks to more than 100 mm (4 ins.) of concavity, which Magna says is nearly impossible with traditional cut and sew.

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In addition, FreeForm is made 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.

FreeForm back panel seats contain up to 50% polyol organic compounds derived from recycled polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic polymer resin, and the seating surface contains up to 20% renewable materials from a bio-feedstock – resulting in an overall more sustainable product.

The smooth surface of FreeForm allows for seats to be cleaned more quickly and easily. The seat covers can also be removed for cleaning and routine maintenance, making them appealing for mobility scenarios such as ride sharing.

Magna also says FreeForm back panels provide a “soft touch” surface with draw capabilities of up to 4 ins. (102 mm), creating a significant amount of added leg room.