Magnesium Die-Castings as Structural Members in the Integral Seat of the New Mercedes-Benz Roadster

The integrated three-point safety belt for the driver and co-driver seat of the new Mercedes-Benz Roadster is the first of its kind to be utilized in a production car. The shoulder belt, including the automatic spool and belt preloading device, is incorporated in the seat back rest. This concept allows an adjustment of the belt geometry to nearly any passenger size, particularly in sports cars, which have no full-size middle post, and thus makes a major contribution to passive safety. Because of new magnesium alloys and improved casting techniques, it is now possible to produce the frame elements of the seat of high ductility magnesium pressure-die-casting, and thus ideally combine the requirements for mechanical strength, economy and production techniques.