Magna and Chrysler partner to deliver innovative seating system for minivans

Photo: Magna Intier

Intier Automotive Seating, an operating unit of Magna International Inc., in conjunction with Chrysler Group, has co-engineered and manufactured new seating features for Chrysler Group’s 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.

Chrysler Group’s new 2008 minivans, unveiled at this year’s North American International Auto Show, offer three distinct seating and storage options. The newest seating option is a cutting-edge seating technology called Swivel ‘n Go™. It includes second-row quad seats that swivel 180 degrees rearward to face the third-row seats. Swivel ‘n Go also includes a removable table1 that installs between the second- and third-row seats. The seats swivel outward, which eases entry and exit or the placement of a child in a car seat. Both swiveling seats can also be removed. Heated cloth or leather first- and second-row seats are available in the Swivel ‘n Go and industry-exclusive Stow ‘n Go® seating and storage system configurations in the 2008 Chrysler Group minivans.

“Consumers today are spending more and more time in their vehicles, ultimately placing a greater emphasis on comfort and convenience,” says Jeff Lambert, Intier Automotive Seating Chief Engineer for the Chrysler Group minivans seats. ”The Swivel ‘n Go seating system, an industry-first in the North American market, raises the bar by offering a family room on wheels.”
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To further enhance the new minivans, Chrysler Group worked with Intier Automotive Seating to develop a powered version of its fold-in-the-floor third-row seat. The one-touch operation, which stows the seat in less than 15 seconds, is a minivan first. The one-touch, power-folding, third-row seat will stow in four different modes. Depending on the passenger/cargo needs, the entire seat can stow, be in tailgate mode or each section of the seat can stow or tailgate individually.