Magna Innovation Helps Shape Form and Function of Award-Winning 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Interior

May 16, 2016

At tomorrow’s WardsAuto Interiors Conference, representatives from Magna International Inc. will discuss how the company’s partnership with FCA US LLC has resulted in a new Stow ‘n Go Seating and Storage System that helps enhance the passenger convenience in the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.

While the Pacifica will be recognized as one of WardsAuto’s 10 Best Interiors at the event, Magna Seating Vice President of Engineering Dino Nardicchio will participate in a panel on truck and CUV interiors.  Mr. Nardicchio will share insights into the development of the Pacifica’s redesigned Stow ‘n Go seats and how they help optimize the interior space of the vehicle.

“At Magna, we innovate by focusing on our customers, the trends, and the needs of the end-consumer,” said Mr. Nardicchio. “With the Pacifica, we collaborated closely with FCA US and looked at how to create space in the vehicle so it’s comfortable and easily configurable. People don’t want their vehicle to be a chore for managing passengers or their stuff — people are looking for more flexibility out of their vehicles, and you’ll see that in the Pacifica’s Stow ‘n Go system.”

Magna has supplied seats for FCA US minivans since the automaker invented the segment in the 1980s, and the partnership continues to help make the Pacifica the segment definer. The Stow ‘n Go system, co-developed by FCA US and Magna, is an improved version with redesigned seats for added comfort and side support.

The automaker’s new Stow ‘n Go Assist improves the functionality of the system.With the press of a button on the B pillar, the front seat automatically moves forward to allow the second-row seat to be stowed, then returns the seat to its original position. The second-row seats feature an Easy Tilt mechanism for improved access to the third row.

“Consumers needing space and flexibility but wanting pizzazz and even a bit of coddling when the kids aren’t in the back seats will find the Pacifica interior to be a breath of fresh air,” says WardsAuto Senior Editor Tom Murphy. “The updated Stow ‘n Go seats fold into the floor in the second and third rows when extra cargo room is needed. Surprisingly, the third row is quite comfortable for an adult, especially with seatbacks that recline at the touch of a button.”

The Pacifica’s Stow ‘n Go system now enables:

• A 7- to 8-passenger vehicle;
• Increased leg room;
• Added flexibility to keep an empty car seat attached in the 2^nd row while tilting the seat to allow access to the 3^rd row; and,
• A more intuitive, user-friendly motion when stowing and deploying.

In addition to the seats, other Magna content on the new Pacifica includes body and chassis systems, powertrain components, exterior parts (rocker panels and spoiler), closure systems (side door modules, handles and latches), outside mirrors, and electronic driver-assistance systems.