Developing and manufacturing automotive seats
Faurecia, the world's number three seat supplier, is an expert at designing and manufacturing every seat component: frames, adjustment mechanisms, runners, foam and covers. During the seat manufacturing process, Faurecia seamlessly assembles the different components to create a complete seat and guarantees just-in-time delivery to its customers' plants. Faurecia, a specialist in seat blueprints, designs and implements innovative solutions in terms of safety, comfort, perceived quality, modularity and natural/recycled materials.
Safety
The seat is what connects the occupant to the vehicle. In case of a crash, it plays a key role in driver and passenger safety by being firmly anchored to the floor and holding the body in place. Over 90% of the seats that Faurecia has produced are fitted in vehicles that have obtained a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests. For instance, the Faurecia seats fitted in the Audi A4 offer excellent protection against whiplash.
Comfort
Faurecia draws on its expertise in foam and covers, adjustment mechanisms, runners, headrests and armrests to provide motorists with superior comfort. Faurecia develops a vast array of built-in functions, such as shoulder adjustments, neck heating systems (Peugeot 308 CC) and various electric controls.
Perceived quality
Faurecia designs seats to deliver maximum perceived quality and ensures that the level of finish is geared towards each type of vehicle. Thanks to its expertise in manufacturing processes, Faurecia can breathe life into the most ambitious designs, creating optimized industrial products. This perceived quality process enables Faurecia to manufacture high-end seats, such as those gracing the all new Audi A8.
Modularity
Faurecia develops modular rear seating solutions that adapt the vehicle's interior to suit the number of passengers and the type of journey. One such example is the latest generation Renault Grand Scénic. It features a third row of seats, which can be tucked fully away into the floor to maximize the size of the trunk. This WIN feature (When I Need) is an ideal solution for family vehicles. Faurecia also offers other modular solutions, such as for the Ford S-Max, the Renault Twingo and the Peugeot 308SW.
Weight reduction
Seats account for 6% to 10% of the vehicle's weight. As part of the "Light Attitude" weight reduction program", Faurecia uses very high tensile steel offering superior resistance, while reducing volume and weight. Faurecia also uses a laser beam welding process that does not require additional materials that would otherwise increase the vehicle's weight!
Faurecia also has the requisite skills for incorporating biomaterials into seat foam and controlling the recycling process for certain materials used.