FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION
29 July 1999
NISSAN GETS TO THE BOTTOM OF SEAT WEAR AND TEAR
Nissan engineers in Sunderland use a mechanical bottom, dressed in a pair of denim jeans to test the durability of their car seats.
The Nissan ‘bottom’ is modelled on an 11-stone person. Denim is used because it is the most abrasive clothing material and the rivets can potentially cause damage to seat fabric.
During the test the mechanical bottom slides onto a car seat, rubs back and forth three times, and then slides off. This test is repeated 15,000 times without a break over a period of 3 days. This is equivalent to 32 years of travelling to and from work – almost an entire working life for many drivers.
After the test Nissan quality assurance engineers check all aspects of the car seat against Nissan global quality standards. Only those that look as good as new are allowed to enter production.
John Burke, Nissan’s quality assurance director is responsible for the company’s testing regime. He said: “This test may seem extraordinary but worn and tatty car seats can be a real source of customer dissatisfaction. Nissan customers can rest assured that we will go to any length to make sure that our cars can stand up to the toughest use.”
Nissan's operations in the UK include vehicle styling, engineering, manufacturing, distribution and sales, and corporate finance. Some 5400 people are employed directly by Nissan in the UK.
ends…
For further information please contact:
Stewart McKee Corporate Affairs Manager 01923 899930
E-mail: stewart.mckee@nissan.co.uk
Frank Shepherd Corporate Affairs Administrator 01923 899930
E-mail: frank.shepherd@nissan.co.uk
25121/290799