US’ Lear, a global automotive-technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, has announced that it has been selected by General Motors to supply front and rear seats to the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup. Lear, a global automotive technology leader in seating and E-Systems, enables superior in-vehicle experiences for consumers around the world.

The 40/60 split second-row seat – designed by Lear – offers four configurations, allowing users to haul gear or equipment while accommodating passengers in the second row. For the Silverado EV’s RST model, Lear engineered a tuck-and-tumble sequence for the second-row seat that provides best-in-class ergonomics and functionality. The fold-flat second-row seat combines with the innovative Multi-Flex Midgate, which collapses the bulkhead wall between the cabin and cargo space, to expand the storage capacity of the 5-foot-11-inch bed to just over 9 feet, the company said in a media statement.

Lear designed the foam, trim, structure, mechanism, plastics and seat harness for the seats, which will be produced at Lear’s new state-of-the-art facility in Detroit. The plant is scheduled to open in mid-2022 creating hundreds of new jobs for Detroit and south-eastern Michigan residents, supplying seats on a just-in-time basis for the electric vehicles produced at GM’s Factory zero in Detroit-Hamtramck. Globally, over one-third of Lear’s 257 locations – both seating and E-Systems facilities – currently supply products to several different automakers for use in hybrid and electric vehicles.

“With the most complete capabilities of any seating supplier in the world, Lear's highly crafted, world-class seating solutions are helping Chevrolet reimagine its best-selling nameplate. We are honoured to be named a General Motors’ supplier of the Year for the last four years. Lear’s content on the Silverado EV is a continuation of the strong relationship we are proud to have with GM,” Lear president and CEO, Ray Scott, said in a statement.

“It’s an exciting time for the industry, GM and Lear. We are thrilled to be part of it, and we are eager to help Detroit – and Michigan – continue as the hub of the global automotive industry by creating smarter, safer and cleaner vehicles,” Scott, said.