CAR drivers all over the world could soon be sitting more comfortably, thanks to a Yorkshire innovation that’s just won a top automotive industry award.
Leeds-based bed manufacturer Harrison Spinks has adapted its pioneering mattress technology to help create super-slim environmentally-friendly car seating, working with global automotive interiors giant Johnson Controls.
And the two companies have picked up the prize for Concept Vehicle Interior Innovation of the Year at the Automotive Interiors Expo Awards.
The awards honour the world’s finest designers, innovations and products in the automotive interiors arena.
Harrison Spinks’ managing director Simon Spinks said: “The judges that make up the Automotive Interiors Expo Awards panel are some of the world’s leading journalists, which means winning this award is quite an achievement.”
The accolade was awarded for ComfortThin seat technology – an innovative concept that integrates a pocketed coil-spring mattress technology into an automotive seat.
The thin-profile seats can replace conventional urethane foam pads with a 100 per cent recyclable alternative and create extra leg-room for passengers – up to 1.4in (35mm).
Simon said: “The ComfortThin seat also provides a dramatically thinner, tailored seat back.
“The active seating surface adapts to occupants of all sizes. Each pocket spring unit is able to react independently, further improving seating life while giving occupants the right amount of support when and where it’s needed.”
The technology can provide a weight reduction of up to 20 per cent, meaning cars use less fuel and emit less CO2, and will be available for 2015 vehicles.
The ComfortThin seats have also won Johnson Controls a prestigious OkoGlobe international mobility industry environment award.
Beda Bolzenius, president of Johnson Controls Automotive Seating, said: “We are breaking new ground with this environmentally-friendly technology.”
Simon Spinks said his company is thrilled that its innovative thinking is making such a difference in a new market.
“We are delighted to be recognised for our input into automotive interiors – and we’re proud that a UK luxury mattress manufacturer can assist a world-class industry,” he said.
For further information, please contact Helen Weaver, Marketing Manager. hweaver@harrisonspinks.co.uk