With CoverTech Faurecia boosts its seat cover expertise at its seating techcenter
CoverTech aims to break new ground in the technologies and processes used to design, cut, sew and assemble automotive seat covers, selecting and implementing best practices across all Faurecia development and production sites worldwide. It brings together a multifaceted team of experts specializing in industrial processes and pilot equipment, who will select the best industrial solutions and incorporate increasingly high standards regarding perceived quality of complete seat systems.
The new CoverTech facility will benefit from its proximity to the seat design studio—which works with automakers to explore new trends—along with the comprehensive range of simulation and testing resources available at the site. Its launch follows the successful creation of two other expertise centers in Brières-les-Scellés: FrameTech for seat frames in 2011 and e-Lab for seat electronics in 2012. Both of which have been commended by a wide range of automakers.
The most striking innovation in the past few years has been Cover Carving Technology (CCT), which applies to seat covers—offering greater freedom in terms of style and customization—as well as front seat backs. The Faurecia-patented technology has been adopted by Renault for the Talisman sedan and station wagon, offering three centimeters of extra knee room for rear passengers.
CoverTech will enhance the role of Faurecia Automotive Seating as a comprehensive supplier, bringing improvements in efficiency, quality, flexibility and perceived value.
Our conventional seat cover business is on the verge of a major transformation that stems from digitizing the process of designing, industrializing and manufacturing. It is driven by a market that demands enhanced seat solutions. CoverTech gives us the means to strengthen our leading position in three areas: perceived quality, affordable innovation and well-being on board.
This initiative goes hand in hand with Faurecia's strong growth in designing and manufacturing automotive seating cover solutions. It also reflects the drive to bring solutions and processes to market more quickly to satisfy growing demand from automakers, not just in terms of perceived quality, differentiation and interior customization, but also with regards to efficiency in the various stages involved in development and industrialization.
On April 11, 2016, the Cover Carving Technology won the Automotive News 2016 PACE Award. Dubbed the "Oscars of Innovation", the PACE Awards are presented every year in honor of superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers. PACE Award winners are chosen from a shortlist of 30 finalists by a panel of independent judges.