A unique ability to innovate
The ability to change the vehicle's layout in response to different uses is a growing demand from consumers around the world. Faurecia, the leading supplier of car seats and interiors, draws on its research and expertise in vehicle architecture to satisfy such demands.
For instance, Faurecia played a key role in making the new version of the Renault Grand Scenic fully adjustable. The second-row seats can be folded forwards, tipped or removed, to create a record-breaking trunk volume of 2 m3 for this type of vehicle. Seats can be adjusted individually along 170 mm runners -- twice as long as the previous generation -- with two backrest tilt positions. Faurecia's expertise in adjustable solutions can also clearly be seen in the third row of seats. These highly compact seats boast a minimal footprint when folded in order to maximize cargo space. Furthermore, the two individual seats can be used separately and switched from folded to deployed in a single motion with minimal effort. Despite the space-saving foldable seats, the vehicle boasts a high level of comfort through the use of specific suspension mats.
Faurecia's expertise in modular solutions is also in action on the Volkswagen-Skoda Yeti. Each of the rear seats is raised two centimeters higher than the front seats for a clearer view of the road, and all three can be individually adjusted or removed to create some 20 different layouts.
The instrument panel cross-car beam of the Citroën C3 and DS3 has not been overlooked either; in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, which clearly highlighted the need for weight reduction and safety, Faurecia developed a variable-thickness adjustable cross-car beam to streamline and reduce the weight.
In addition to seats and cross-car beams, Faurecia also designs modular trunk compartment solutions, with the aim of delivering a complete system for easy use and storage.