Johnson Controls Redefines Seating Comfort in Volvo XC90

As a pioneer in comfort and inpidualization in car interior design, Johnson Controls has made a huge contribution to the Volvo XC90, which was recently named “Truck of the Year” at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The striking vehicle comes with seat covers and paddings supplied by Johnson Controls, which take the award-winning comfort and interior design of this “rolling living room” to new heights.

According to Tony Malila, vice president & general manager Customer Group Volvo at Johnson Controls Automotive Seating, they are honored as a supplier that the jury of automotive journalists put a spotlight not only on the design, safety features and handling of the XC90, but also its exceptional comfort, to which they contributed through the seat padding and coverings. “As the world’s leading manufacturer of automotive seating components and systems, we were able to draw upon our in-house resources and vertically integrated capabilities allowing us to provide optimal support to the customer.”

The goal set by Volvo was very high, indicating a challenge for Johnson Controls to display its expertise when it comes to inpidualization. The Swedish automaker’s demand was that these seats, made with premium-quality materials, must offer exceptional comfort to all its customers. The emphasis is not only on the driver and front passenger, but also on the seats of the second and third rows which are designed for maximum comfort. Optional seats with integrated child booster cushions are also available for the second row.

Moreover, even the extended leg-supporting surface is furnished with side bolsters so that the XC90 could provide the supreme support and comfortable seating on demanding terrain. Extra massage functions and electric lumbar support maximize the seating comfort.

In a statement, Andreas Maashoff, director industrial design and craftsmanship at Johnson Controls Automotive Seating, noted that for automakers as well as their suppliers, inpidualization is a growth market that offers huge potential for differentiation. “We recognized this early on and offered our customers an extensive portfolio in terms of styling trends, colors, forms and materials.”

Here, seat coverings and paddings are essential elements, apart from the company’s expertise in seat structures, which enable it to design the “consummate seating experience”.