The Chinese brand Seres, already present on the Spanish market, has taken an unexpected step: the company has officially registered a patent for an integrated car toilet. The system is built directly under the passenger seat, which could become a new standard of comfort for long journeys and extended stops. This approach sets Seres apart from its competitors and highlights the desire of Chinese manufacturers to offer unconventional solutions for European buyers.
Toilet in the car: how it works
According to Auto Bild, Seres has developed a design in which the toilet is hidden under the front passenger seat and can be pulled out manually or by voice command. The system is not intended for use while driving on the highway, but rather for situations when you cannot leave the vehicle—such as in traffic jams, at campgrounds, or during overnight stops. This solution helps to avoid queues at service stations and minimizes discomfort on long trips.
Technically, the toilet operates on a rail mechanism: it slides out like a drawer and can be retracted under the seat after use. The manufacturer emphasizes that this way, space that is usually unused and becomes a ‘graveyard’ for forgotten items is utilized. For the Spanish market, where family SUVs and long car journeys are popular, such an option could provide a significant competitive advantage.
Ventilation and disposal: design features
Seres did not stop at a basic implementation—in the patent, a ventilation system is provided to vent odors outside. After use, waste falls into a separate reservoir that must be emptied manually. To minimize unpleasant sensations, the toilet features a built-in heater: it dries solid waste and evaporates liquids, making further maintenance easier.
The introduction of such solutions is part of a broader strategy by Chinese brands to differentiate themselves in the European market. In addition to the built-in toilet, manufacturers from China are actively offering seat massage functions, refrigerators, karaoke systems, large screens, and even integrated gaming consoles. This approach has already attracted the attention of Spanish customers, especially in the new SUV segment, where competition is getting fiercer.
Seres 7 and Prospects for Spain
The first model that may get a built-in toilet will be the Seres 7—a large SUV aimed at the premium segment. For now, it’s just a prototype, and the manufacturer is not disclosing details on the launch dates or the cost of the option. However, the very fact of having patented the technology shows the brand’s serious intent to establish itself in the European market by offering unconventional solutions.
For the Spanish market, the arrival of the Seres 7 with such an option could be a significant event: the SUV segment is steadily growing, and buyers are increasingly paying attention to additional comfort features. It is important to note that Seres is already competing with other Chinese and European brands, which are also focusing on technology and unique features. In this context, it’s worth recalling how other Chinese brands, such as Chery, are actively expanding their presence in Spain by offering new models and experimenting with equipment—read more about these strategies in our article on the arrival of Omoda 4 SHS and other new Chery models. in our market review.
The Seres 7 is still a prototype, and the manufacturer needs to improve the system’s sealing, reliability, and maintenance. Nevertheless, the very fact that such an option has appeared highlights how quickly customer expectations are changing and how far brands are willing to go to win the attention of Spanish consumers. If the technology continues to develop, it is possible that the built-in toilet will become a new point of differentiation in the family and tourist SUV segment.
