Magna Touts Flexible Seat Trim

Magna International Inc. says its new FreeForm seat trim cover can enhance comfort, packaging and design attributes.

The design features a patent-pending foam laminate that allows for more dramatic curves (four inches of concavity) than are possible with traditional seatbacks, which tend to be relatively straight. Magna notes that highly contoured shapes can better “hug” an occupant’s body to improve comfort.

Coupled with bolsters, concave seatbacks provide the most support for the lower back, according to the supplier. Magna says the foam also helps minimize spine movements, including so-called micro-motions.

The flexible design can provide four inches of additional rear seat knee clearance. Magna notes that its cover can be unzipped from the rest of the seat, allowing it to be removed and cleaned as needed. The seamless surface also prevents crumbs and other objects from falling into trenches.

Magna says the material provides four times the breathability of other molded trim. Another benefit: FreeForm uses hidden tie-downs that can eliminate as many as 80 attachment components.