Toyota turns Crown’s chair into a dedicated office chair

Toyota Boshoku is launching a limited edition of 70 units: office chair with electric adjustments, belt with heating system and USB port. Price: $3,500.
Toyota has introduced an unusual product: an office chair made from the front seat of the Crown sedan. This new piece, which combines automotive comfort with the functionality of office furniture, will be produced in limited numbers. The project was carried out by Toyota Boshoku, the division responsible for vehicle interiors. Rather than designing it from scratch, engineers adapted the production Crown chair to the office chair format. Only 70 units will be produced, and if demand exceeds supply, buyers will be determined by lottery. The seat retains the basic features of an automotive seat: electric adjustment, recline, lumbar support, heating and ventilation. The base, armrests and mechanisms were perfected in collaboration with the Japanese furniture company Itoki. One odd detail is the seatbelt buckle, which now also functions as a USB port for charging devices. Priced at 495,000 yen (about $3,500), the Toyota Boshoku enters the premium office chair segment, competing with brands like Herman Miller. Sales will be made through the premium network THE CROWN, underlining the chair’s status as a product of design and image. Thus, Toyota takes a new approach to using automotive technology beyond cars. The Crown chair is not just an accessory, but an attempt to cash in on comfort and engineering in neighboring segments.

Automobile Magazine – Spain