Back friendly seating à la Opel: Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (AGR) awards manufacturer for long-standing commitment to back health
AGR debut: 2003 Signum was first Opel with ergonomically certified seats
More than just seats: Entire vehicle concept of Opel Meriva awarded AGR seal of approval
Today’s Opel Grandland and Opel Astra: Intelli-Seats and ergonomic active sports seats with numerous adjustment options as well as massage and ventilation functions
Relaxing and healthy seating has a long tradition at Opel. Opel drivers and passengers of all sizes have been able to enjoy particularly back-friendly seating in models bearing the ‘Blitz’ emblem for more than 20 years. The brand is synonymous with seats that integrate drivers and passengers comfortably, safely and sportily into the respective Opel model. Opel has now been recognised by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (AGR) (Campaign for Healthy Backs) for its decades of continuous commitment to back health and relaxing seating. The experts for healthy seating presented the award to Opel representatives at the Adam Opel House at the company's headquarters in Rüsselsheim.
This long-standing commitment continues in Opel’s current models, such as the compact class bestseller Opel Astra and the Opel Grandland, the manufacturer demonstrates that ergonomically excellent seats promote health and increase road safety. The ultra-modern Intelli-Seats and active sports seats offer numerous adjustment options and combine this with comfort details from multi-level seat heating to massage functions and ventilation. The motto: Take a seat, enjoy the drive and get out again after hours in a relaxed manner. However, the triumph of ergonomically valuable seating at Opel began more than 20 years ago, or more precisely, in 2003 with the first AGR seal of approval for the Opel Signum.
Good for the back: AGR-certified Ergonomic Seats from 2003
Relaxed travelling not only increases the well-being and safety of passengers, it is also an important health factor. The ‘right’ seat is not only comfortable, it also supports the occupant’s back. Opel has a pioneering role amongst volume manufacturers in this area for a long time. The company was the first automaker to offer back-friendly seats in the mid-size class in 2003, with the first AGR seal of approval for the Opel Signum. The experts for healthy seating awarded the 18-way electrically adjustable, multi-contour driver‘s seat in the Opel Vectra/Opel Signum their seal of approval.
From this moment on, the ergonomically superior seats set off on their road to success. In 2008, the standard comfort seats in the Opel Insignia offered generous adjustment setting ranges – 65 mm (electric) for height and 270 mm longitudinally – achieving absolute best marks here. The premium driver’s seat was AGR certified.
And in 2012 the Opel Meriva MPV was the first series production car to receive the coveted AGR seal of approval for its overall ergonomic concept: FlexDoors with an opening angle of 84 degrees, FlexSpace system, AGR-certified ergonomic seats and the FlexFix bicycle carrier.
Opel also made the especially back-friendly seats available in the compact class. For the first time, the AGR-certified premium ergonomic seats in the Opel Astra generation introduced in 2015 were not just multi-adjustable in height, longitude and tilt, they were also optionally available with further comfort features such as massage, ventilation and memory function. And there is also a comfort plus for the second row: seat heating is not only available for both front seats, but also for the outer rear seats.
Seating comfort at its best: Active Sports Seats in Opel Astra, Intelli-Seats in Opel Grandland
Opel is continuously developing the seats recognised by the Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. and enriching them with innovations that make driving even more relaxed and healthier. The various seats in the latest Opel Astra generation and in the top-of-the-range Opel Grandland SUV offer seating comfort at its best.
Opel Grandland’s Intelli-Seats are characterised by a special recess running down the middle of the seat, which is inspired by the saddles of racing bikes and reduces pressure on the tailbone. The patented Intelli-Seat ergonomic feature ensures relaxed driving comfort even on long trips. And the optionally available extendable thigh support also increases the seat surface and gives occupants with long thighs more seat contact. The optimal hold in the pelvic area is supported by the electro-pneumatically adjustable lumbar support in height and length.
At the same time, the workmanship and features of the seats not only testify to high quality – the covers of the Intelli-Seats are also made of recycled and thus sustainable fabrics, thus taking into account Opel's ‘Greenovation’ approach. This also applies to the ergonomic active sports seats in the Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer, which are also certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. Their covers are made of the mono-material ReNewKnit™. It conveys the high-quality look of suede, and it is 100 per cent recycled and recyclable. This reduces the CO2 footprint and avoids waste.
For those who want to enjoy even more seating comfort in the Opel Grandland and Astra models, they can opt for the Nappa leather upholstery, for example – in the Opel Astra in combination with ergonomic active sports seats and in the Opel Grandland with the high-end Intelli-Seat Pro.
Opel has further developed this ergonomic seat and equipped it with new comfort features. For the first time in the Grandland, it has adjustable side cushions. The two air cushions housed in the cheeks of the backrests improve lateral support and can be adjusted according to personal preferences. In addition, the driver and front passenger seats offer ventilation as well as various massage programmes and many more features. The Intelli-Seat Pro represents the current high-end seat in the Opel portfolio in terms of comfort and individual adjustment options.
Pioneer: Opel democratises back-friendly seating in variety of market segments
AGR premiere: 2003 Signum was first Opel with ergonomically certified seats
More than just seats: Total vehicle concept of Opel Meriva awarded AGR seal
Wide choice: AGR-certified seats for today’s Opel Astra, Crossland and Grandland
For that sporty feeling: Exclusive AGR performance seats for Opel GSe models
Opel Signum
Opel this year marks 20th anniversary of the introduction of healthy seats certified by AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. – an independent German association promoting research related to back-pain prevention).
Latest generation of AGR seats is available in new Opel Grandland GSe, the Astra GSe and the Astra Sports Tourer GSe. But the start was made exactly two decades ago by the Opel Signum, which was the first car to offer AGR seats in the mid-size segment.
Seats form the link between people and the vehicle. They are crucial for a comfortable, relaxed journey. That is why Opel places great importance on ensuring that they offer optimum comfort and support for the spine, especially on longer journeys. “Drivers and passengers come into contact with no other component in the car as intensively as with the seat. Our goal as a carmaker is that our customers do not have to think about the seat even on longer trips, because it offers comfort and also prevents the risk of back pain in the long term,” said Stefan Koob, who is responsible for the development of seat structures.
In-car ergonomics is more than just a feel-good factor. Ergonomics also includes safety. A relaxed, back-friendly seat prevents fatigue during the journey; and in the event of a accident, the seat occupant has a chance of a positive outcome above all if the seat manages to hold him or her in position. Only then can seat belts and airbags fully provide their protection.
Opel Signum 2003: First Opel with AGR ergonomic seats
“At Opel, we have always taken the democratisation of seating comfort to heart. That means everyone is entitled to a good seat in the car,” Koob explained. Back in 2003 the ergonomic seats of Opel Signum set a new standard in the automotive industry. Thereafter the healthy seats were rolled out across much of the Opel model range. Long-distance and company car drivers were especially grateful; thanks to numerous adjustment functions, the ergonomic seats with AGR certification could be optimally adjusted for every driver, so that he or she got out rested and without discomfort even after hours of driving.
Opel Signum: AGR ergonomic seat
A few years later, another premiere followed. In 2010, the flexible Opel Meriva van was the first vehicle to receive an AGR seal of approval. Meriva’s integral ergonomics system comprised the ergonomic seats, the FlexDoors doors that opened in opposite directions, variable FlexSpace rear seating concept and the FlexFix bicycle rack.
For all shapes and sizes: Wide choice of various AGR-certified seats
Opel today offers a variety of AGR seats with a choice of comfort or more sports-oriented contours in the Astra, Crossland and Grandland. To enable the driver and the front passenger to adopt a comfortable and back-friendly seating position for any journey, AGR seats offer 10 adjustments for the driver and six for the co-driver. Regardless of the seat contour, the multitude of adjustable parameters – many electrically operated on the driver’s seat – include sliding range, height, tilt, backrest tilt, thigh support, lumbar support and seat cushion tilt, as well as heating for the cold season.
Top of the line: Performance seats in Opel Grandland GSe and Opel Astra GSe
New GSe performance seats represent the youngest developments in healthy seating technology from Opel. Trimmed in black Alcantara, stylish front seats in Opel Grandland GSe, Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe feature especially high upper wings. Unique construction of the seats in Astra GSe models features fully integrated head restraints. Another eye-catching detail is the distinctive grey stripe electro-welded onto the backrest. Also unique to GSe is the stitched pattern at base of the backrest and on the seat cushion, while the unmistakable yellow-on-black GSe logo adorns the seatback.
Opel Grandland GSe: Performance seats
Opel Astra GSe: Performance seats
Comfort of AGR driver’s seats can be further enhanced – depending on the model variant – with ventilation. In addition, the memory function particularly comes in handy when sharing driving duties over long distances.
Decades-long Opel philosophy: Seats must offer support as well as comfort
Top of the line: State-of-the-art GSe performance seats will lead Opel’s AGR offer
Wide range: AGR seats for Opel Astra, Crossland and Grandland
All-new performance seats unique to Opel Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe
Opel’s offer of ergonomic seats certified by AGR (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken” – Campaign for healthy backs, an independent German association promoting research related to back-pain prevention) is extensive and a key component of the German carmaker’s customer-centric approach to mobility. Today, Opel buyers can already order ergonomic AGR seats on the new Opel Astra, Opel Crossland and Opel Grandland. However, seat development at Opel never stands still and the next stage will soon be available in the form of all-new performance seats unique to the Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe – certified, of course, by AGR.
At Opel, car seats must not only provide comfort, they must also support the occupant’s back; throughout the journey and especially when driving longer distances. It therefore comes as no surprise that the innovative German brand (which this year celebrates its 160th anniversary) was the first to offer back-friendly seats in the mid-size segment in 2003, with the first seal of approval from the ergonomics experts at AGR for the Opel Signum.
That GSe-feeling: Stylish performance seats with ergonomic AGR certification
New GSe performance seats represent the youngest developments in healthy seating technology from Opel. Trimmed in black Alcantara, the stylish front seats in the Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe feature especially high upper wings. Unique construction with fully integrated head restraints also displays a distinctive grey accent-stripe electro-welded onto the backrest – a high-precision technology used for the first time on a series production car. Also unique to the GSe is the stitched pattern at the base of the backrest and on the seat cushion, while the unmistakable yellow-on-black GSe logo adorns the top of the seatback.
Take your (AGR) seat: Functions and adjustments for every trip and driving style
Opel already offers a variety of AGR seats with a choice of comfort or more sports-oriented contours. To enable the driver and the front passenger to adopt a comfortable and back-friendly seating position for any journey, AGR seats offer 10 adjustments for the driver and six for the co-driver. Regardless of the seat contour, the multitude of adjustable parameters – many electrically operated on the driver’s seat – include sliding range, height, tilt, backrest tilt, thigh support, lumbar support and seat cushion tilt, as well as heating for the cold season.
Comfort of AGR driver’s seats can be further enhanced – depending on the model variant – with ventilation. In addition, the memory function particularly comes in handy when sharing driving duties over long distances.
With AGR-certified seats, Opel drivers always have the comfort they want and the support they need, regardless of the journey’s type or duration.
Anniversary model: Bestselling Opel Grandland X special model with leading technologies and comfort
Learning curve: From box seat to ergonomic seat with massage function in 120 years
Experts’ approval: Seats in Opel models certified by Campaign for Healthier Backs
Second-row comfort: Heated rear seats in Opel Insignia, Astra and Grandland X SUV
Opel Grandland X “120 Years”
Opel has been developing and producing automobiles since 1899. “Democratise top technologies and make them accessible to everyone” has been the motto since day one. Driven by this commitment, the automaker is celebrating “120 Years of Opel Automobile Production” this year. Through the decades, Opel has introduced numerous technical advancements and made them accessible to the general public. These include efficient engines and superior chassis, as well as state-of-the-art assistance systems. At the same time, Opel has always made the comfort of drivers and passengers a top priority. After all, motorists want one thing above all else: a comfortable and relaxed journey. Seats play a key role; they are the interface between man and machine. Accordingly, Opel also focused on seat development at an early stage, as seats with a perfect ergonomic shape increase not only comfort, but also safety. Both aspects have been at the top of the German carmaker’s agenda since the introduction of the first automobiles – after all, the 1899 Opel “Patentmotorwagen” already had leather seats.
The list of seating-milestones in 120 years of Opel engineering ranges from the introduction of longitudinal adjustment in 1931 and the legendary reclining seats in the Opel Kapitän, to height adjustment in the Opel Monza and Senator in the late 1970s and the Flex7 seating system in the first Opel Zafira exactly 20 years ago. Then in 2003 the first ergonomic seat certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (Campaign for Healthier Backs) made its Opel premiere in the mid-size Signum. Today, models like the Opel Astra, Opel Insignia and Opel Grandland X can be ordered with the award-winning, continuously developed ergonomic active seats.
Opel Grandland X - Ergonomic active seats
A prime example of top technologies and first-class comfort for everyone is the Opel Grandland X “120 Years” (fuel consumption with 1.2 Direct Injection Turbo, 96kW/130hp, six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop according to NEDC1: urban 6.1 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.9-4.8 l/100 km, combined 5.3-5.2 l/100 km, 121-120 g/km CO2; fuel consumption according to WLTP2: combined 7.1-6.5 l/100 km, 161-147 g/km CO2) available from €29,200 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany). The anniversary model variant not only has assistance systems such as Cruise Control with intelligent speed limiter, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Hill Start Assist, Rear View Camera and Park Pilot for front and rear as standard on board. Numerous comfort features also ensure a relaxed ride. These include the multi-adjustable comfort driver and passenger seats as well as multi-stage seat heating for the front seats, heatable leather steering wheel and Solar Protect heat protection glazing in the rear. With just a glance at the exterior, the door sills with OPEL lettering, 17-inch light-alloy wheels in 5 double-spoke design and the “120 Years” logo immediately identify the Grandland X anniversary model. Comfort can be increased even further with the optional ergonomic active front seats – also in leather and with seat ventilation – and seat heating for the two outer seats in the second row. Opel thus offers first-class seating comfort for all passengers.
Early comfort: “Lutzmann” with soft leather seat bench
At the end of the 19th century, people could not even dream of such technologically sophisticated seats – the focus then was on engine-power, comfort played a subordinate role. The cars still resembled carriages, as did the seats. For instance the Opel Patentmotorwagen “System Lutzmann” of 1899: not just the entire car, but also the seats with their bolt-upright position were reminiscent of a carriage. Of course, there were no possibilities to adjust the seats yet. So instead, Opel focused on another detail that was a big comfort plus at the time: the bench seat was already luxuriously upholstered with leather.
Thirty years later in 1929, the seat in the Opel 4/20 “Moonlight Roadster” was still a rigidly fixed bench. However, it was positioned considerably lower and allowed passengers to stretch their legs out in front of them, similar to today. In the four-door model and limousine the front seats could be folded down. The next development step quickly followed with the Opel 1.8 Litre: the front seats could now be adjusted longitudinally. Brochures at the time stated: “The adjustable front seats are like club chairs: deep and cosy, with comfortable backrests.” The 1.2 Litre Regent had another standout feature: “Wide, comfortable, inviting front and rear seats. The large boot is accessed by simply folding the rear backrest forward.” So comfort combined with practical benefits was already on the agenda in 1931.
“Car seats like this were already on quite a few wish lists”: Opel Kapitän, GT and Monza
From the early 1950s the seats of the Opel Olympia were fixed to a metal frame and also longitudinally adjustable. To facilitate entry for rear passengers, the front seat backrests could be folded forward. In 1956, the Opel Kapitän L took things a step further with extra seating comfort. “The occupant of each individually adjustable front seat can recline the backrest seamlessly all the way to a horizontal position, simply by pulling a lever and leaning back,” said the description. The so-called “relax” or “reclining” seat was born. “A slight pull is all it takes to ‘customise’ the seat position.” The rails the seats slid on were mounted on an incline. This meant that the height of the seat position changed according to the longitudinal adjustment. Already back then, the significance of seats for safety was highlighted: “Especially when cornering, you really feel how these seats have the right shape and how much support they provide. The result is a pleasant and secure driving feeling that you never want to miss again.”
In 1968 the Opel GT went into series production. This legendary model sparkled with its bold sporty styling – both exterior and interior. Passengers made themselves comfortable in seats with a sporty shape. Extended seat cushions and a significantly improved shoulder section showed the direction of development. From the late 1960s, Opel gradually equipped various models with optional headrests – such as the Kadett B, Rekord C, Commodore A and Olympia A. The next important development step came in 1978: in line with the credo “Comfort is a function of technology”“, Opel introduced the height-adjustable seat in various trim variants of the Monza A and Senator A. “To guarantee every driver – regardless of height or size – their optimum personal seat position and visibility, the driver’s seat can be seamlessly adjusted in terms of longitudinal position, backrest tilt (…) and in the Senator CD even seat height”, was the description of adjustment possibilities in the Opel brochure.
Flexibility redefined: Flex7 seating system in the Opel Zafira
In the 1990s, the seats in the Opel Omega B were electrically adjustable as an option. The reinforced rear seat backrests and side airbags made an important contribution to passive safety; elaborate crash tests with a payload were conducted for the first time. Depending on the trim version, all three rear seats came with three-point seatbelts and headrests.
Opel presented a global innovation in 1999 with the introduction of the Zafira compact van featuring its on-board Flex7 seating system. For the first time, a compact seven-seat people-carrier could be transformed, in no time at all, into a two-seat transporter with a large loading area – without having to remove the seats and cumbersomely store them outside the vehicle.
Thanks to a clever mechanism, both the individual seats in the third row could be folded down flush with the floor of the boot. Then the seat cushions and backrests of the second row could be folded down, pushed up against the first row seats and secured there. This transformed the family van for seven into a load-carrier with up to 1,700 litres of transport volume (VDA – German Automotive Industry Association – standard).
With this concept, Opel raised flexibility to the next level and continued further developing it up to the lounge seating system with transversally adjustable outer seats in the middle row in the Zafira Tourer.
Good for the back: AGR-certified ergonomic seats from 2003
Relaxed travelling not only increases the well-being and safety of passengers, it is also an important health factor. The “right” seat is not only comfortable, it also supports the occupant’s back. Opel has a pioneering role amongst volume manufacturers in this area.
The company was the first automaker to offer back-friendly seats in the mid-size class in 2003, with the first AGR seal of approval for the Opel Signum. The experts for healthy seating awarded the 18-way electrically adjustable, multi-contour driver‘s seat in the Opel Vectra/Opel Signum their seal of approval.
From this moment on, the ergonomically superior seats set off on their road to success.
In 2008, the standard comfort seats in the Opel Insignia offered generous adjustment setting ranges – 65 mm (electric) for height and 270 mm longitudinally – achieving absolute best marks here. The premium driver’s seat was AGR certified.
And in 2012 the Opel Meriva was the first series production car to receive the coveted AGR seal of approval for its overall ergonomic concept: FlexDoors with an opening angle of 84 degrees, FlexSpace system, AGR certified ergonomic seats and the FlexFix bicycle carrier.
Opel also made the especially back-friendly seats available in the compact class. For the first time, the AGR-certified premium ergonomic seats in the Astra generation introduced in 2015 were not just multi-adjustable in height, longitude and tilt (including side bolster adjustment) they were also optionally available with further comfort features such as massage, ventilation and memory function.
In addition to the current Astra and Insignia variants, drivers and front-seat passengers in the top Opel Grandland X SUV can also look forward to exemplary seating comfort.
But they are not alone. All three models also feature second-row seating comfort, as optional seat heating is available for both front and outer rear seats.
Performance sports seats developed by Opel for the Insignia GSi driving machine (fuel consumption Opel Insignia GSi with 2.0 BiTurbo Diesel and 154kW/210hp according to NEDC1: urban 9.6 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.6 l/100 km, combined 7.1 l/100 km, 187-186 g/km CO2; fuel consumption according to WLTP2: combined 7.8-7.4 l/100 km, 204-193 g/km CO2) currently represents the ultimate in sportiness and ergonomics. AGR-certified Opel performance sport seat combines outstanding lateral support with top long-distance comfort and offers all the comfort features from the Insignia model line. The integral seat in the GSi also comes with ventilation, heating, a massage function (driver’s seat) and adjustable side bolsters. These features are complemented by the high backrest with integrated headrest. The longitudinal position, height, cushion tilt and backrest angle of the seat that looks like a king cobra ready to strike can all be adjusted electrically. The air cushions of the four-way lumbar support along with the variable side bolsters are also activated electrically. Developed by Opel experts for healthy seating, the performance seat is unique in its combination of sporty lateral support and comfort features.
1] WLTP measurements converted to NEDC values for comparison
[2] WLTP combined figures (for information only, not to be confused with official NEDC values)
Art of German engineering: All-new comfort seats from Opel
Unique in compact class: With massage and memory function, plus much more
Tradition at Opel: AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) seal of approval
Attractive offer: Ergonomic AGR driver’s seat already available from 390 euros
Unique in the compact class: Beyond being 18-way adjustable including side bolster adjustment, the Astra seats are now optionally available with massage and memory function along with ventilation.
The new Opel Astra celebrates its world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt this fall (September 17 – 27, 2015), but it is already clear today: never before has there been so much luxury in the compact class. The Astra is lighter, more efficient and offers state-of-the-art features; thanks to its advanced seating technology, it makes every drive a relaxing journey. AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) certified premium Opel ergonomic seats provide excellent long-distance travel seating comfort. They continue the Opel tradition of award-winning, back-friendly seats. Beyond being 18-way adjustable including side bolster adjustment, they are now optionally available with further comfort features such as massage and memory function along with ventilation – a unique combination in the compact class. Rear seat passengers can also look forward to more luxury – in addition to more legroom, heated outer rear seats are optional. Astra customers can treat themselves to these luxury seats that are completely developed in-house at Opel for very attractive prices – the driver’s seat with the AGR seal of approval is already available from 390 euros.
Ergonomic AGR driver’s seat is already available from 390 euros.
“Seating is among the most important elements in a vehicle as it delivers safety, comfort, and design. It is one of the reasons we place such a high priority- with the support of our partners- on the development of our seating systems," says Charlie Klein, Vice President Vehicle Engineering at Opel. "The new Opel Astra seats continue to deliver on the promise of excellence and are a reflection of the skill and commitment of our engineers and designers. The Astra seats provide advanced features in the compact segment that are normally found only in the premium class."
Lightweight: Seat alone ten kilos lighter
Development of the seating environment in the new Astra already began nearly five years ago for the over 100 employees in the team of experts. “Especially integration of the relatively bulky seats must be considered from the very beginning. This means the seats have to fit into the car accurately to the last millimeter – in every direction,” says Andrew Leuchtmann, Senior Manager GME Interiors. A very challenging task, as the seat components are one of the car’s largest parts. Seat production alone accounts for around ten percent of the total production costs of a new car model.
At the same time, the seats have a large impact on total weight. That is why for their new development, the engineers first had to minutely examine all single elements of the Astra comfort seats that come as standard. “Compared to the predecessor, not one single part is identical,” says the expert. In order to offer rear seat passengers 35 millimeters more legroom, the seat back of the new comfort front seat was made much more compact. State-of-the-art calculation methods enable this, as do lighter polyurethane foams and ultra-high-strength steels that are built in under the seat upholstery. “So the new seats are around ten kilos lighter than those in the previous model,” explains Leuchtmann. This is not only true for the driver and co-driver seats – the new Astra’s rear seats are also lighter and more compact, their contouring was optimized and thigh support was enhanced with a steeper seat tilt.
AGR seal of approval for ergonomic seats
“In-vehicle ergonomics is more than just the seat contouring, it already begins with the positioning of the seat in the car,” says Leuchtmann. The Opel experts also further optimized the Astra comfort seat in this regard, positioning it lower. “This especially accommodates taller drivers with a sporty driving style,” he explains. Thanks to a 65-millimeter height adjustment span – the largest in the segment – shorter drivers are also guaranteed an optimum seating position. With the optional premium ergonomic seat’s memory function, this can even be saved at the press of a button. This is ideal for fleet vehicles with the same group of drivers or couples who share the new Opel Astra. The base version of the optional ergonomic seats comes with four-way electropneumatically adjustable lumbar support (forwards, backwards, up and down), variable seat cushion tilt, cushion length adjustment and a seat form with contours that adapt to the natural curvature of the spine. The premium ergonomic seats also feature electropneumatically adjustable side bolsters that support the body by making the seatback narrower or wider. All these exemplary ergonomic elements made it clear to the AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs), an independent association of doctors and experts dedicated to preventing back problems, that the new Astra also deserves the AGR seal of approval.
Wellness massage, climate control and heating included
Seats should not only keep drivers securely in place, they should also keep them warm or cool depending on the prevailing conditions. The new Astra comfort seat features passive climate control, meaning breathable surface fabrics and perforated polyurethane foams that considerably improve transporting away moisture and thereby the micro climate in the seat. The new Astra’s premium ergonomic seats can do both – keep warm and cool. Small fans suck air, and thus the moisture that develops when someone is in the seat, away from the body. In the winter, integrated seat heating keeps the driver and co-driver as well as both outer rear seat passengers comfortably warm. Those who want to turn their car into a wellness mobile on longer journeys can enjoy a massage at the push of a button – and arrive at their destination even hours later relaxed and free of aches or pains.
Opel Signum (2003)
Opel Signum (2003) - First Opel with Ergonomic AGR seat.
Opel is the leading volume manufacturer of ergonomic seats with the AGR seal of approval. The first ergonomic Opel seat was introduced with the Signum in 2003. Today, in addition to the new Astra, the certified and popular seats can be ordered for many Opel models including the Insignia, Meriva, Zafira Tourer, Mokka and Cascada. “We want to really speed up the democratization of good seats – more Opel models with AGR seats will follow,” promises Andrew Leuchtmann.
Strong increase in LED signal functions
in headlamps
In future, it will be possible to implement intelligent
lighting functions without mechanisms
Hella Adaptive Full LED headlamp prototype in Opel Signum
Article of 22.03.2007
March 2007. These days, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)
are used as light sources at the vehicle rear and, increasingly, also at the
vehicle front, for signal functions. In the coming years, this trend will grow
considerably. The first full LED headlamps, which will generate low beam and
high beam, will be on the market in 2007 and 2008. They open up new, far reaching
styling options and therefore great differentiation potential for automakers.
At Hella, the next LED headlamp generation is already being developed: from
about 2012, freely addressable LED arrays (assemblies) will make new, active
lighting functions possible.
Extremely long service life (up to 10,000 hours), a high level of reliability,
low package space, rapid switch-on behavior and, depending on the function,
up to 80 percent less power consumption: these advantages have now secured LEDs
a firm position on the vehicle rear. Consistently, these advantages are being
used especially in the case of central high mounted stop lamps, but also more
and more in combination rear lamps. For at least six years, LEDs have been offered
which generate white light. The first applications in the front-end area are
the position light and daytime running light. The rapid development of their
performance now makes them usable for low beam and high beam as well.
In relation to this, the light color of the white LEDs (color temperature approx.
5,500 kelvin) approaches that of daylight (approx. 6,000 kelvin) considerably
more than xenon light (approx. 4,000 kelvin). This fits in with what humans
are used to seeing. Car drivers do not tire as quickly and are more relaxed
when driving. In addition, the white LEDs are also a convincing choice thanks
to their fast response time, and it is possible to cover two functions (such
as position light and daytime running light) using a single light source. Their
luminous efficiency is increasing rapidly: while today it is over 40 lm/W, there
are already prototypes in research institutes with approximately 130 lm/W (in
comparison with xenon light: approx. 90 lm/W, halogen light 20 lm/W).
LED headlamps have a modular design
As high luminous power is required for low beam and high beam, Hella chooses
multi-chip LEDs for the LED headlamp. Special chip arrangements and housing
geometries make it possible to generate the cut off line without additional
mechanical shading. This allows compact headlamp systems to be realized. The
light distribution is designed in an almost modular manner:
A symmetrical basic light distribution with large dispersion provides homogeneous
illumination of the close range in front of the vehicle.
In the central area close to the cut off line, a field with high illuminance
overlaps this basic light distribution and generates the range of the low
beam on the left hand side of the road (oncoming traffic).
The long range asymmetrical "light finger" on the right hand
side of the road provides the necessary longrange orientation for the driver.
The addition of further optical modules makes it possible to realize AFS
lighting functions, such as town, country, motorway and adverse weather light.
Triggering takes place by means of electronic control units which then switch
on or switch off further light sources according to the current driving situation.
The different light distributions are generated by means of different optical
modules that are matched to each other. Variation possibilities with regard
to the arrangement and number of the modules open up new, far reaching styling
options and therefore great potential for differentiation for automakers.
LED low beam is close to the Xenon values
Thus, the full LED headlamp prototype from Hella has been realized in an Opel
Signum using different transmissive optical elements. Six optical units generate
the low beam. Three further units are added for the high beam, a special module
is sufficient for the cornering light. Daytime running light/position light
and direction indicator with LEDs complete the full LED headlamp, which, in
the case of low beam, is already very close to the Xenon values. With reference
to the number of LEDs and their performance, these and other prototypes are
designed in such a way that luminous power similar to a Xenon headlamp can be
achieved in 2008. With regard to this, the Hella lighting specialists take into
consideration the continuously increasing performance of white LEDs which is
to be expected by then.
Hella Adaptive Full LED headlampin Opel Signum
LED - Array
Hella is working with LED arrays (assemblies) as light sources for future headlamps.
They consist of several individually addressable LED chips which are arranged
in accordance with a predefined pattern onto a carrier substrate. The individual
chips are triggered by means of pulse width modulation. This allows, on the
one hand, the switching on and switching off of individual LED chips and therefore
the generation of different cut off line geometries, on the other hand, it also
allows an intensity modulation in the light distribution. In addition to the
implementation of AFS lighting functions without mechanisms, LED arrays make
possible, in conjunction with forward looking vehicle sensor technology and
intelligent triggering electronics, the realization of active lighting functions
such as marker light or glare free high beam.
Approval situation for LEDs in headlamps:
In the USA, headlamps with LEDs for the main lighting functions are already
permitted according to the SAE standards valid there. In Europe, or in the scope
of application of the ECE regulations, corresponding approval can be expected
by 2008. Signal functions in the headlamp (direction indicator, side marker
light, position light and daytime running light, as well as cornering light)
with LEDs are today permitted both in the ECE and SAE scope of application.
