Johnson Controls contributes to maximum flexibility, comfort, ergonomics, safety and weight reduction for seats in the Vauxhall Meriva

Burscheid (ots) -

- Cross-reference: Picture is available at
http://www.presseportal.de/pm/19526 -

Johnson Controls sets standards with innovative seat rail for the
new Vauxhall Meriva

Johnson Controls, a global leader in researching, developing,
designing and manufacturing high-quality interior components and
systems for the automotive sector, is renowned for both its
individual and innovative solutions. A recent example of the
company's technical expertise is a completely new design: the highly
flexible rear seat system for the Vauxhall Meriva, designed by
Johnson Controls in cooperation with Vauxhall, which offers comfort
and safety, as well as optimized weight savings. The flexible
vehicle, which can be easily converted from a five-seater into a
four-, three- or even two-seater thanks to the revolutionary,
ergonomic design of its unique seating concept, launched production
in mid June.

"Our unique angular rail enables the two outer rear seats to be
moved not only forward and back, but even diagonally in the interior
using just one hand to operate. This gives second row passengers
extra leg and shoulder room in the four-seater version," explained
Dr. Detlef Jürss, vice president of engineering seating, interiors &
systems at Johnson Controls Automotive Experience. "This new and
effective design also has enabled us to reduce the weight of the rear
seat system by 20 percent compared to the previous model, without
having to compromise safety and comfort."

The rear seat glides in one continuous movement on two axes along
what is currently the only rail of its kind in automotive
construction. The conveniently designed one-handed operation means
passengers now require significantly less effort to move the seats
while maintaining ergonomic body posture. The first generation of the
Vauxhall Meriva, launched in 2003, at that time featured a
standard-setting crossbar package, but required a multitude of Bowden
cables and levers to slide the rear seat both lengthwise and
crosswise. The various adjustment options are now enabled by a single
angular rail on each of the outer rear seats. Designed in cooperation
with Johnson Controls, this rear seat system in the Vauxhall Meriva
called "FlexSpace" is versatility at its best, and unique in this
vehicle segment.

Another design highlight is the kinematics of the rear seats,
developed by Johnson Controls in cooperation with Vauxhall: when
folding down the backrests, the seat cushions are pushed forward by a
hinge. At the same time, the front cross beam of the seat adjuster,
which also serves as a rotational axis for lowering the seats,
provides a deeper loading area and a larger trunk. The total weight
of the new seats is reduced by 20 percent compared to the previous
model, despite increasing comfort and safety.

This reduction is due in no small part to material savings in
specific areas that do not affect the high-strength design of the
seat frame. This is made possible by continually using the Finite
Element Method (FEM), a computer-based mathematical technique for
structural analysis. In addition, the seats are made of lightweight
metals and high-strength steel - known as a hybrid seat design
introduced by Johnson Controls. The design of the seats and the
quality and craftsmanship of the materials also far exceed
legislative requirements in passive safety.

Safety a top priority

The reactive head restraints available in the front seats of the
new Vauxhall Meriva demonstrate Johnson Controls' expertise in
passive safety. In a rear impact collision, the riACT head restraints
are mechanically activated within only 25 milliseconds by the weight
of the front passengers to protect against whiplash, and
automatically return to their initial position making them fully
functional again - without the need for a costly and time-consuming
trip to the auto repair shop. This same system recently received the
best rating ever in this discipline by Euro NCAP in the Vauxhall
Astra.

Photos are available online at www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk/press.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience

Johnson Controls Automotive Experience is a global leader in
automotive seating, overhead systems, door and instrument panels, and
interior electronics. We support all major automakers in the
differentiation of their vehicles through our products, technologies
and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With more than 200 plants
worldwide, we are where our customers need us to be. Consumers have
enjoyed the comfort and style of our products, from single components
to complete interiors, in over 200 million vehicles.

Originaltext: Johnson Controls Automotive Experience
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Further information is available from:

Johnson Controls GmbH Automotive Experience
Industriestraße 20-30
51399 Burscheid Germany

Ulrich Andree
Tel.: +49 2174 65-4343
Fax: +49 2174 65-3219
E-mail: ulrich.andree@jci.com

Astrid Schafmeister
Tel.: +49 2174 65-3189
Fax: +49 2174 65-3219
E-mail: astrid.schafmeister@jci.com