Opel is well-known for its ergonomic AGR seats. AGR stands for Aktion Gesunder Rücken eV and is an independent German organization specializing in research into back pain prevention. This year marks 20 years since Opel introduced the ergonomically certified seats for the first time - it was in an Opel Signum back in 2003.
Car seats are the natural link between humans and cars, and they are essential for a comfortable and relaxed journey. That's why Opel spends time and money on developing ergonomic seats that can be adjusted to suit every size and shape of person. "The seats are the component in the car that the driver and passengers come into contact with the most. One of our major goals as a car manufacturer is, therefore, that customers should not have to worry about seat comfort - they should provide comfort and reduce the risk of back pain on short as well as long trips," says Stefan Koob, who is responsible for the development of seat construction at Opel.
Good ergonomics also promote safety. A relaxed, back-friendly seat prevents fatigue while driving, and in the event of an accident, seat belts, and airbags only work optimally if the seat is supportive and keeps the driver and passengers in place.
Opel Signum 2003: First Opel with ergonomic AGR seats
"At Opel, we have always focused on democratizing seat comfort. We believe that everyone has the right to feel good in the car," explains Koob. Opel introduced the Signum with ergonomic AGR seats in 2003 and set new standards for seat comfort in the automotive industry. Afterward, the comfortable seats were added to a large part of Opel's model range.
Today, Opel offers a wide range of AGR seats, ranging from comfort seats to sports seats in the dynamic GSe models. Common to the seats are four basic ingredients that ensure optimum support for two-thirds of the body: four-way lumbar support (forward, backward, up and down), cushion tilt, cushion length adjustment, and contour and body support.
Opel's ergonomic seats are developed in-house and certified by AGR, an independent association that works on preventing back problems. Opel is the first volume manufacturer to receive the AGR stamp of approval for its seats. "We worked together and combined their know-how with ours," says Koob. "In the early days, different manufacturers claimed their seats were the best, but fleet managers often received complaints from drivers suffering from back and other pain."