Fold-flat seats in new Chrysler minivans

[Micah]

NEWMARKET, Ontario, Feb 4, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- In the ongoing battle for minivan supremacy, segment originator Chrysler Group recently surpassed the competition with a new feature: 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans offer innovative Stow 'n Go seats, a minivan-first developed by Intier Automotive Inc. (IAIA, Trade) in conjunction with DaimlerChrysler whereby the second- and third-row seats fold completely into the floor and disappear with a virtually effortless one-hand operation.

For the first time ever, the second row seats fold flat and disappear into a well to achieve a flat load floor. The engineering feat is made possible largely due to the innovative mechanisms used to stow the seats into the floor. The second-row translating mechanism allows the seat to move inboard while at the same time collapsing for storage in one motion.

While establishing this benchmark in fold-flat technology, the comfort of the second row was maintained using translating armrests and super high- density foam. The armrests pivot inward for storage and outward when the seats are upright, and the super high-density foam achieves a minimal stack height and allows for thinner, lighter cushions without sacrificing comfort.

In the third row, a 60/40 split bench seat pivots and folds into a storage well via one-hand stowing operation that requires no efforts greater than 20 pounds, thereby meeting the "5th percentile female" guideline for easy stowing and unstowing of the seats. Each section can be actuated individually to provide maximum versatility for various cargo/passenger arrangements. In total, the complete seating system offers up to 256 different seating configurations.

[TNFX35]

This is actually a neat concept. I saw this feature at the Nashville Auto Show this past weekend. I am not in the market for a minivan, but definitely some good engineering and design. With the seats upright, the "bins" in the floor are available to store packages or whatever else you might need to stow while traveling. Also prevents having to remove the heavy bench seat for a trip to Home Depot...

[mrjimmy55]

Big Deal. The Nissan Pathfinder Armada and Quest also have seats that fold into the floor. So does the Infiniti QX56. And I would much rather buy a Nissan/Infiniti than a Chrysler.

No doubt, this is a really cool feature, but Chrysler was not the first company to come out with it.


2003.5 G35 Sedan 6MT Brilliant Silver on Graphite
Premium/Aero/Sport/Tints/Factory Chrome Rims

[GeoBau]

I think it's slightly different, Jimmy. The Chrysler seats are insanely more comfortable, and if I'm not mistaken, are bucket seats. Everyone's had fold-flat bench seats. Our Durango has that... but the ability to fold into the floor, not just fold in half (which is what the Armada and QX do) makes for a lot more room, and a lower loading platform. The Chryler's actually a minivan-- individual seats, not just a bench like most SUVs have.

G

2003.5 Black w/ Willow G35
Premium / Sport / Aero / Winter / Navi / Tint

[pelucidor]

The Honda Odyssey had the first fold-flat 3rd row 5 years ago. The big deal here is that it is a fold-flat 2nd row as well using just one hand. Addtionally the 3rd row can filp over so that you are sitting facing out of the back fo the minivan for sporting events etc with the open tailgate being a rain cover. Quite clever, but I will leave it to the Japanese to perfect it in a few years.

'04 G35 Sedan 6MT in Diamond Graphite/Graphite with Premium, Nav, Aero
'02 Acura MDX Touring in Redrock Pearl/Saddle with wood bits, cargo stuff

[ryoken]

Better than one-handed, some large Ford SUV's have an electronic/automatic fold flat 3rd row. Push a button.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

[ColinR]

just returned my chrysler from a lease - piece of junk, at the end of 4yrs, exhaust broken, door locks dont lock, rear door never worked properly from day 1 - never quite closed, gearbox replaced, alternator replaced, driver window stopped going up - so never went down again, underside all rusted, back wheel suspension mount broke - rewelded, front CV failed ---- good thing is Chrysler has a solid warranty... perhaps more effort into the basic engineering would be better than something else that can go wrong - I could have reported that my seats never came up again!