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14th March 2002, Page 37
14th March 2002
Page 37
Page 37, 14th March 2002 — SEATS
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There is a huge range of seating options available on vans, Most car-derived and standard panel vans come with driver and passenger seats as standard. You can then substitute a dual seat on larger vans, delete the passenger seat altogether, or add extra seats in the back. Drivers can add luxury seats with air suspension, arm rests and heating.

On a practical level a new alternative to vinyl trim seats for dirty environments is removable washable seat covers. The fabric trim stays clean which can help enhance residuals. Mercedes' new accessories brochure includes one of the most comprehensive range of seat covers, starting with plain covers called Garage and including a range that match the original seat trims. Tachodisc, better known for supplying charts and analysis services, also provides CV seat covers.

Workers have often travelled in the back of vans on benches or the floor, but EU regulations now require all passengers to have approved seats and seatbelts even when travelling in mainly load-carrying vehicles such as works vans. Seats will have to earn with EU type approval for seats, rated as Ni and N2 for cars and M1 and M2 for larger vehicles.

Some existing vans may require under-floor strengthening plates, and floor and seat fixings may need upgrading to cope with the extra strain imposed by seat-belts—typically equivalent to a log force on each seat.

Seat manufacturers Atlantechs and Scot Seats both offer a huge range of seating. There are two, three or four-seat options, all with integral seat-belts and adjustable head restraints.

Atlantechs has a model In which the seats stow completely upright to minimise intrusion into the load space and provide bulkhead protection. They also lay flat on the load bay floor if overnight accommodation is required.

Another popular option are three rearward-facing flip-up seats that allows up to nine people to travel.

Scot Seats range includes the Builders three-seater, which is designed with enough clearance beneath the seats for 8x4 sheets to slide through, and a two or threeperson unit which has a lockable tool-box beneath the seat. It comes with lap belts and locks, universal mounting points and a strap to held the lid open. The back can be fixed or folding.

Both Atlantechs and Scot sell fold-up seat kits for car-derived vans that attach to the floor well. Atlantechs, for example, produces a rear double folding bench-style seat for car-derived vans with fabric or vinyl trim. When in position it still leaves most of the area behind the wheelarch free for goods.

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Organisations: European Union

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