Oct 2, 2020

DETROIT — Magna International Inc. is introducing its fully automated, next-generation EZ Entry seat. The seat offers new technology that eliminates extra parts, plastic, links and pinch points. Magna showcased the technology during a demonstration to journalists in suburban Detroit on Thursday. The elimination of parts allows for more foot clearance and 75 millimeters (nearly 3 inches) more of seat cushion width. The seat will be available to automakers in fully automated, partially automated or manual options. The automated seat can be operated via smartphone to change the position of the seat, including to a nearly flat cargo mode. Sensors in the seat will be able to detect obstacles such as groceries, pets and child seats prior to changing positions. The seat offers higher craftsmanship, more comfort and more space for mobility upon entering and exiting the vehicle. "It's a front-row experience in the back seat," Joe Meyer , director of engineering, said during the demonstration. The new seat weighs 2.9 kilograms (6.4 pounds) less than the 2016 Magna seat. Meyer said the ability to take up less space is in line with Magna's sustainability goals. Magna Joe Meyer: "Our execution is completely different." Magna is in the early stages of discussion with automakers and expects to see the seats in vehicles by the 2023-24 model years. The seat allows automakers to have creative involvement in designing the chair to suit different vehicles. Magna expects this seat to be unique from others coming to the market, Meyer said. "Our execution is completely different," he said. Magna, of Aurora, Ontario, ranks No. 3 on the Automotive News list of the top 100 global suppliers, with worldwide sales to automakers of $39.4 billion in 2019. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up to get the top stories of the day in your inbox every business weekday afternoon. Email Address