Recaro, Legendary Sports Seat Manufacturer, Files for Bankruptcy

Recaro, the renowned sports seat manufacturer, has recently filed for bankruptcy, putting 215 jobs at risk. The company was acquired by a private equity firm in 2020, but its collapse has only affected the automotive division. The separate aircraft seat and gaming chair divisions remain unaffected.

The Impact on the Automotive Industry

Fast cars, whether for the street or the racetrack, rely on high-quality sports seats. With Recaro’s bankruptcy, automakers who depend on the brand are now in a state of panic. While they may have backup suppliers for other components, finding an alternative seat supplier at short notice is challenging.

Workers and Union Concerns

The bankruptcy news has come as a shock to the 215 workers in Recaro’s automotive division. Represented by Germany’s IG Metall union, these workers claim that Recaro’s management has provided little information about the situation. Many employees are unhappy, having made sacrifices in recent years to support the company’s stability.

A Brief History of Recaro

Recaro has a rich history dating back to 1906 when it was known as Reutter Karosserie. The company initially focused on building car bodies and interiors before being acquired by Porsche. Recaro then separated from Porsche and began specializing in sports seats for Porsche and the aftermarket community. Over the years, Recaro expanded into aircraft seats and split into separate companies.

Despite Recaro’s bankruptcy, other firms produce sports seats. However, it will take time for automakers to test and integrate new seats into their production lines. Until then, performance cars may only be available with stock sports chairs instead of Recaro’s renowned buckets.

What is your favorite Recaro seat? Share your thoughts in the comments below.