ECD Auto Design and Scheel-Mann Team Up to Elevate Classic Defender Comfort

Rhea-AI Summary

ECD Automotive Design (NASDAQ: ECDA) has partnered with German seat manufacturer Scheel-Mann to enhance the interior comfort of classic Land Rover Defenders. The collaboration introduces the Traveller F series front seats and custom-designed middle row seating, offering improved ergonomics, legroom, and luxury features comparable to modern SUVs. Key upgrades include heated and ventilated seats, the Scheel-Mann LRD Edition with lift-up cushions for easy access to batteries and tools, redesigned consoles with wireless chargers and biometric-secured storage, and optimized cabin layout for better space utilization. The partnership aims to modernize the Defender's interior while maintaining its classic appeal, addressing long-standing comfort issues while adding practical features for improved ownership experience.

Positive

• Partnership with renowned German seat manufacturer Scheel-Mann enhances product quality and brand value
• New seating design improves comfort, ergonomics, and functionality with features like heated/ventilated options
• Smart design innovations like lift-up seat cushions improve vehicle serviceability
• Enhanced interior features including wireless charging and biometric security add modern luxury appeal

Negative

• None.

“Guter Sitz, Gute Fahrt”: German-Engineered Seating and Smart Cabin Upgrades Redefine the Classic Defender Experience

KISSIMMEE, Fla., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ECD Automotive Design (NASDAQ: ECDA), the world’s leading creator of restored Land Rovers and custom classic vehicles, is enhancing the Defender driving experience with a series of thoughtful interior updates. In partnership with renowned German seat manufacturer Scheel-Mann, ECD now offers a smarter, more spacious, and far more comfortable cabin—delivering what clients have long desired: more legroom, better ergonomics, and luxury seating worthy of the vehicle’s bespoke status.

View images of the new Scheel-Mann seating and interior enhancements

Guter Sitz, Gute Fahrt—“Good seat, good ride”—is more than a German phrase. It’s the foundation of this evolution in Defender design.

Key Enhancements Include:

• Bespoke Scheel-Mann Seating
  The legendary Traveller F series front seat—renowned for long-haul comfort, lateral support, and orthopedic-grade ergonomics—is now available on ECD builds. For the middle row, a custom Scheel-Mann solution was co-developed to offer legroom and seating angles comparable to modern luxury SUVs. Heated and ventilated seat options are available across all seating positions.
  
  A standout feature is the Scheel-Mann LRD Edition, designed specifically for classic Defenders. Its lift-up seat cushions allow direct access to the factory battery and onboard toolboxes—eliminating the need to unbolt or remove seats during roadside service. The upgraded seat bracket design also creates flat storage space on top of the seat box, ideal for stashing jumper cables, emergency gear, or even a lockable strongbox for valuables.
  
• Redesigned Consoles and Custom Armrests
  New center consoles feature integrated cup holders and modular components—including wireless chargers, storage trays, and lockable compartments with biometric or code access. Matching armrests provide additional comfort and finish the look.
  
• Expanded Legroom and Rear Cabin Optimization
  Subtle floorplan modifications now allow front seats to shift significantly rearward—improving driver and passenger comfort without sacrificing rear capacity. The re-engineered rear tub layout improves middle-row accessibility and overall cabin flow.
  

“This is about evolving the Defender without losing its soul,” said Elliot Humble, Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer of ECD. “We’ve always respected the original form, but our clients expect more. By partnering with Scheel-Mann, we’ve addressed a long-standing weakness—comfort and space—while adding smart features that make ownership easier and more enjoyable.”

These enhancements are now standard on select ECD builds and fully customizable—another step in ECD’s mission to redefine what’s possible in classic vehicle restoration.

Good seat. Great ride. Built by ECD.

About ECD Auto Design

ECD, a public company trading under ECDA on the Nasdaq, is a creator of restored luxury vehicles that combines classic beauty with modern performance. Currently, ECD restores Land Rovers Series, Land Rover Series IIA, the Range Rover Classic, Jaguar E-Type, Ford Mustang, Toyota FJ, and highly specialized vehicles from its Boutique Studio. Each vehicle produced by ECD is fully bespoke, a one-off that is designed by the client through an immersive luxury design experience and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified Automotive Service Excellence (“ASE”) craftsmen. The company was founded in 2013 by three British “gear heads” whose passion for classic vehicles is the driving force behind exceptionally high standards for quality, custom luxury vehicles. ECD’s global headquarters is a 100,000-square-foot facility located in Kissimmee, Florida that is home to 105 talented and dedicated employees who hold a combined 80 ASE and five master-level certifications. ECD has an affiliated logistics center in the U.K. where its seven employees work to source and transport 25-year-old work vehicles back to the U.S. for restoration. For more information, visit www.ecdautodesign.com.

Media Contact:
Kevin Kastner
Chief Revenue Officer
kastnerk@ecdautodesign.com
407-738-1056

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/11a42540-868c-4269-aa2a-7bb113f39f8b

FAQ

What new features has ECD Automotive Design (ECDA) added to their classic Defenders?

ECD has added Scheel-Mann luxury seating, heated and ventilated seat options, redesigned consoles with wireless charging, biometric-secured storage, and improved cabin layout for better legroom and accessibility.

Who is ECD Automotive Design's new seating partner for classic Defenders?

ECD Automotive Design has partnered with German seat manufacturer Scheel-Mann to provide their Traveller F series front seats and custom-designed middle row seating.

What is special about the Scheel-Mann LRD Edition seats in ECDA Defenders?

The Scheel-Mann LRD Edition features lift-up seat cushions for easy access to batteries and toolboxes, eliminating the need to remove seats during service, plus flat storage space on top of the seat box.

How has ECDA improved the interior space in their classic Defenders?

ECDA has modified the floorplan to allow front seats to shift further back, redesigned the rear tub layout for better middle-row accessibility, and added new console features for improved cabin flow and functionality.