Johnson Controls has developed an especially lightweight seating system for the Kia cee’d that contributes to the vehicle’s sustainability. The system is for comparable versions up to 5.7 kg (12.6 lbs) lighter than the previous model – very lightweight in comparison to seats in current vehicles.

Johnson Controls’ engineers achieved this weight reduction without sacrificing safety by using a lightweight metal structure of high-strength, thin-walled steel for the front and rear seats. A Keiper Taumel 2000 is used as a backrest adjuster in the front seats. For the first time, Johnson Controls replaced thick-walled seat pipes with wafer-thin metal frames made of high-strength steel. This adds stability to the split rear seat system.

“We are pleased to equip the second generation of the Kia cee’d with important interior components and to contribute to the success of this model,” said Joris Janssen, general manager Europe for Johnson Controls Automotive Experience’s Kia customer business unit. “The interior of the first generation Kia cee’d was of very high-quality. However, the second generation sets new standards in design, comfort and quality for the compact class. We are proud to contribute to the high standards regarding functionality and quality with our high-quality seats, our stylish floor consoles and the headliner.”

In addition to the mechanical version front seats with adjustable lumbar support, the Kia cee’d offers an optional electronically adjustable driver’s seat with a tilt adjuster – a unique feature for a vehicle in the compact class.

The model, developed exclusively for the European market, is manufactured in Kia’s Zilina plant in Slovakia. Johnson Controls also produces the seating system in Zilina and delivers it to the customer via a just-in-time process. Different versions of the Kia cee’d seat covers are offered in fabric, part leather and full leather.

When designing the headliner, Johnson Controls considered acoustic properties, visual effect, pleasant haptics and low weight. A multilayer composite is used for the substrate, which provides improved stiffness in minimal space. Recycled polyurethane foam is used as a spacer instead of the usual injection molded structures. Both technologies save weight, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.