The new ComfortMax seat from automotive supplier Lear will be integrated into GM vehicles starting in the second quarter of 2025. It’s unclear at this time which GM models will get these new seats, but they’ll likely appear in luxury models like Cadillacs and possibly higher-end GMC, Buick, and Chevy models.
“We are honored to partner with General Motors, a company renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, as we bring the ultimate in seating comfort and design to select GM vehicles,” said Lear President and CEO Ray Scott. “Our ComfortMax Seat exemplifies Lear’s dedication to innovation that drives customer satisfaction while also streamlining manufacturing processes.”
Lear says the ComfortMax seat integrates thermal comfort technologies into the seat’s trim covers. This results in a reduction in what the company calls “time-to-sensation” from heating and ventilation by up to 40 percent. In other words, when you turn on your heated or ventilated seat, you actually notice the sensation 40 percent faster than a non-ComfortMax seat. It also boasts a reduction in the part count by up to 50 percent thanks to the seat’s modular design.
By improving thermal efficiency, streamlining manufacturing, and using sustainable alternatives to polyurethane foam with its FlexAir material, the new ComfortMax seats bring many advantages for both GM and the customer sitting in the seat.
With sustainability in mind, it’s possible General Motors will introduce ComfortMax seats in its range of premium EVs. In fact, Lear already makes seats for GM EVs. A few possible candidates include Cadillac’s newest EVs, like the Escalade IQ, Vistiq, and Optiq, the GMC Sierra EV Denali, and maybe even the Chevy Silverado EV. Like all automotive technologies, it will likely trickle down to more affordable models years down the road.
“With our in-house capabilities and advanced technologies, Lear remains at the forefront of reshaping the automotive seating experience,” added Scott. “We’re pleased to provide premium comfort and industry-defining innovation for GM’s valued customers.”
Comments
I, as well as others, have been complaining about GM truck seats for as long as I can remember. At one point, I was ready to suggest to GM why don’t you just buy their seats from Ford. Many seem to think they are great. After a couple of years of service, the GM truck seats felt like you were sitting on the ground with just your head showing past the driver’s side window. I’ve only been driving Chevrolet trucks since 1973 and have seen some improvement in newer models, but still not enough.
Bring back cloth seating surfaces in all trim models, leather is uncomfortable in the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Leather also cracks as it ages and is also slippery. Just the seating surface needs to be cloth, the rest can be whatever GM wants. Volvo uses wool, but heavy cotton or cotton blend would be preferable.