Erlanger, Kentucky -- The next-generation seat frame from automotive seat maker Toyota Boshoku America (TBA) has a lighter front which contributes to improved fuel efficiency performance in automobiles.
TBA says the new TB-NF110 seat frames will be used on the 2011 Toyota Sienna and manufactured at Toyota Boshoku Indiana (TBIN).
The automotive supplier also announced 10 May that it is also possible that Toyota Boshoku will make these new seat frames on a global scale in every region of the world.
Production of these new designs began in the US in January 2010.
TB-NF110 front seat frames have four basic parts -- seat cushion, cushion spring, seatback, and seatback spring. They can be used with manually adjusted and power seats, and are compatible with a variety of vehicles, said the company.
According to TBA, the design provides good riding comfort and performance, as well as being lighter than existing seat frames, partly from using high-tensile steel to cut the frame's bulk and weight by 10 percent. A review of the structure and part shapes also allowed TBA to cut the number of parts and fastening points by about 25 percent.
Also, the change in the seat-frame structure meant the seatback is thinner, ensuring a more spacious vehicle interior, and provide more leg-room for rear-seat passengers.
Toyota Boshoku said it will continue to approach vehicle makers throughout the world to expand the number of models that use the new seat frames; it will also develop common rear-seat frames.
Toyota Boshoku Corp., based in Kariya City, Japan, has more than 80 operations in 22 countries. TBA makes automotive interior systems -- seats, door trims, headliners and substrates, carpets, fabrics and straps, plus air and oil filters and the unit and its affiliates employ about 6000 in 20 locations across the US, Canada, Mexico and Argentina.
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