US Patent 8950796 Seating arrangement for a passenger vehicle

A seating assembly for a vehicle includes a central longitudinal axis extending through the vehicle. A front seat is configured for use by a driver and defines a front seat central longitudinal axis. A rear seat is configured for use by a passenger and defines a rear seat central longitudinal axis. The front and rear seats are substantially arranged on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis in a staggered relationship. The central longitudinal axis of the front seat is arranged at a different angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle than the central longitudinal axis of the rear seat. At least one of the seats is positioned such that the central longitudinal axis of the respective seat measured at a rear edge of the seat is mounted closer to the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle than is possible with a symmetrical side-by-side seating arrangement.