Automotive supplier Johnson Controls (JCI, European HQ: Burscheid / Germany; www.johnsoncontrols.com) presented its new "Slim Seat" concept at the recent North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The seatback – planned to be made available to automotive OEMs from 2010 – has an indented profile that allows more room for passengers in the rear. The new seat, which is to be modified for this market market, will celebrate its European premiere at the IAA motor show in Frankfurt / Germany from 13-23 September 2007. Rather than conventional polyurethane foam, padding for the European model will be made of the new "VibraTech" foam, which JCI intends to produce at once of its European sites by the end of this year.

VibraTech foam is said to offer 15% improved vibration damping and life expectancy and, because of its lower compression, 10% better long-term comfort. In addition, it allows seatback padding to be made around 30% thinner, which also provides more space. Details of the plastics being used for the other seat parts are not yet available.