Sitting comfortably

Seat engineers are enhancing safety, adding functions, but comfort still reigns supreme.

Seats are going through a dramatic transition, adding all sorts of features, but comfort remains in the forefront when designers add new functions. And when new materials are used to reduce weight, maintaining comfort remains a high consideration.

Safety is also coming under new focus as headrest regulations change. Regulations are also creating another challenge. Engineers are adding motors and electronic controls, making them available on mainstream vehicles, yet they must cut weight as the industry goes all-out to increase vehicle efficiency.