LONDON, March 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The volume of heated front seats fitted to light vehicles annually in North America is forecast to rise from around 14.5m units in 2015, to 16.2m units by 2020, according to just-auto's research unit, QUBE. Rising demand for SUVs has brought with it a surge in demand for seat heaters, according to QUBE research. Western Europe is also set to see a substantial increase over the same period, from 11.4m units to 12.4m. Further innovation has also led to seats that can be both heated and cooled. The projections are part of just-auto's latest update of their QUBE car seating forecast, indicating rising production volumes ahead. QUBE analyst Matthew Beecham, commenting on the forecast, said: "Car companies recognise that the touch and feel of the interior of the car - of which the seat is a major element - is a vital component of the customer experience of the brand. "Different technologies are being used to create a cooled seat, but it is clearly emerging as something that customers are starting to demand in some parts of the world and it is the kind of tactile innovation that can help lift sales in a very competitive global marketplace."

Car seating is providing automotive designers and engineers with new opportunities to innovate inside the vehicle cabin. QUBE research shows that premium brands will often include more comfort features such as additional soft foam, heated and cooled seats, vertically and horizontally adjustable lumbar, massage systems, adjustable cushion length, and adjustable bolsters. Sporty or performance brands will often use firmer seat foam, and more aggressive bolsters. Innovations from major seat system suppliers are aimed at improving comfort and ergonomics, enhancing cabin flexibility and achieving cost savings. In addition, new seat designs can also result in much improved environmental performance, as well as the removal of weight to boost overall vehicle fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. Other forms of product innovation for car seats include designs for 'thinner' seats - which save weight and can improve rear legroom - and different seat fabrics, creating more breathable or more waterproof surfaces.

There are even built-in fragrances designed to increase feelings of well-being. "Nowadays, there is far more collaboration between seat engineers and vehicle designers in order to better match comfort and brand characteristics when designing new models", Beecham adds.Bathroom Mirror Border Tiles Rear seating has also been a focus for innovation. How To Clean Tub Before Refinishing"The ability to transform the cabin to suit different needs remains a hot topic in the sport utility and minivans segments," maintains Beecham. Full Bar Weight Loss Gum"Suppliers are working hard to find more novel ways to collapse the rear seat rows and improve seating flexibility." exists to provide news, analysis and market intelligence to support the automotive industry.

We are driven by a passion for an industry with a global turnover of €3 trillion that directly and indirectly supports 60 million jobs. We offer an independent voice with a global remit, championing automotive best practice wherever we find it. In 2011 just-auto launched QUBE, the automotive database for the auto industry. Supported by a team of experienced automotive analysts, QUBE serves the automotive supply chain, providing them with OEM and supplier automotive competitive analysis, component sector forecasts, and automotive technology intelligence. For further information and images please contact: Public Relations at Aroq Limited 158-HP (SAE Net), 2.0-Liter DOHC i-VTEC® 4-Cylinder Engine Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines1 Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®2 and Streaming Audio LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) 5-Inch Color LCD Screen Available Honda Sensing™ Feature Suite Compare Features by Model

7-Inch Display Audio with Electrostatic Touch-Screen One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature SMS Text Message Function3 Google Android Auto™ 15 1.5-liter, Turbocharged and Intercooled DOHC 4-Cylinder Engine with Direct Injection 16 Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob Driver's Seat with 8-Way Power Adjustment Standard Honda Sensing™ Feature Suite Heated Outboard Rear Seats Front Passenger's Seat with 4-Way Power Adjustment 450-Watt Premium Audio System with 10 Speakers, Including Subwoofer Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and Streaming Audio: The Honda Sensing™ suite includes: Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)4 Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)5 Forward Collision Warning (FCW)6 Lane Departure Warning (LDW)7 Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)8 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)9

Learn More About These Features > NEXT : View Civic Sedan Accessories Request Brochure by MailLoaded for Less: 7 Cheap New Cars Shoppers eager to avoid spending a fortune on options are in the right place. We've listed the best well-equipped, cheap new cars for sale under $30,000. And to make things easier, the cars we've listed come with all the features we describe. That means you don't have to pay extra to get one of these cars with all the goodies.Chevrolet Cruze LTZChevrolet's compact Cruze sedan offers a strong value among small cars. That's especially true for the Cruze LTZ, which includes luxury car-level features. Such items include a rearview camera, push-button starting, automatic climate control and heated front seats. The Cruze LTZ also includes Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system. And we like its turbocharged 4-cylinder. That motor makes an adequate 138 horsepower while returning 26 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Best of all, the Cruze LTZ is affordable thanks to a $24,400 base price before options -- not that you'll need them.

Ford Taurus SELDrivers looking for a well-equipped full-size sedan will like the Ford Taurus SEL, which starts at $29,600 with shipping. Its long list of features includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a remote engine starter and satellite radio. It also has 18-inch alloy wheels and dual power front seats. And a strong 288 hp 3.5-liter V6 is standard. That motor propels the sedan to 60 mph in under seven seconds while returning nearly 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. And it's all possible without ever choosing an option.Honda Accord EXHonda's all-new Accord sedan starts around $22,500 with shipping. The top-line EX trim adds about $2,000 to that figure. We highly recommend the EX model for its standard sunroof, push-button starter and blind spot alert. It also boasts Bluetooth, a rearview camera and a USB port for music. Best of all, it also includes a 185 hp 4-cylinder that returns 36 mpg highway. And while shoppers can add heated seats, leather and even a navigation system, we think the standard Accord EX is a great value.

Hyundai Sonata GLSThe GLS trim level is the midsize Sonata sedan's entry-level model. While it may not offer all the upscale features a buyer could want, its starting price of under $21,000 is enticing. And it still includes many desirable items. For instance, it offers standard safety features like curtain side airbags and anti-lock brakes. The Sonata GLS also has standard Bluetooth, satellite radio and a USB port for music. And drivers will love the steering wheel audio controls and split-folding rear seat -- all included in the model's base price.Jeep Compass LimitedYou don't have to select a single option to get heated leather seats, automatic climate control, anti-lock brakes and 18-in alloy wheels in a Jeep Compass Limited. The top-level trim also features a standard automatic transmission and steering wheel audio controls. And it uses Jeep's 172 hp 4-cylinder that gets 28 mpg highway -- a great figure for a crossover. Best of all, the Compass Limited starts under $25,500. That means it offers crossover styling, luxury features and car-like gas mileage for an affordable base price.

Toyota RAV4 LimitedThe midsize Toyota RAV4 Limited offers a long list of features for a bargain base price of around $26,200. Standard items include dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless access with push-button starting. The RAV4 Limited also has automatic headlights and steering wheel audio controls. We'd skip the powerful V6 and choose the efficient 4-cylinder. That engine makes an adequate 179 hp and returns 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. And since a new RAV4 is on the way, we think there are many great deals on today's model. That means buyers may even be able to select a few options without running up the already reasonable base price.Volvo C30 T5Volvo's compact C30 hatchback is a great value thanks to its long list of equipment and upscale brand status. Features include 17-in alloy wheels, Bluetooth, a USB port for music and keyless entry. It also offers Volvo's renowned safety gear, counting curtain side airbags and an anti-skid system, among other included items.