RECARO Automotive

What RECARO Automotive does

RECARO Automotive is a premium manufacturer of performance, motorsport, comfort, classic, and specialty seating, founded in 1906 as a body shop by Wilhelm Reutter and now operating under the RECARO brand license from RECARO Holding. The company serves two principal go-to-market motions: OEM supply of seats as original or optional equipment to performance-oriented automakers (Aston Martin, Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Renault, Ineos, RUF, TECHART), and aftermarket/retail sales of retrofit sports seats, racing shells, and comfort seats through an authorized dealer network, a flagship store in Munich, e-commerce, and motorsport distributors. More than 32 high-performance OEM vehicle models use the Sportster CS, and motorsport partnerships include Manthey-Raeder (55 VLN/NLS victories) and the X-Raid rally team.

The core technology platform is composite seat shell construction, spanning carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), glass-fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), and carbon-aramid (CFRP/AFRP) shells manufactured via RECARO Automotive Composites (RCF) processes — Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), infusion, autoclave, pre-preg, and recycled carbon fiber (RCF) infusion. The Podium CF holds the world's lightest car seat title at 4.9 kg net shell weight, while the Ergomed E offers 173 quadrillion adjustment combinations. Products are differentiated by safety credentials (FIA 8855-1999 and 8862-2009 homologation, German ABE/TÜV certification) and ergonomic certifications (AGR e.V. seal of quality).

RECARO Automotive operates from Italian (Caselette, Rivoli) and German (Kirchheim/Teck, Stuttgart area) sites with approximately 350 employees, plus a Munich flagship store and North American and Asia-Pacific commercial presence. In November 2023 the company acquired C12 Technology to deepen its carbon-fiber composite software capability, and since 2025 it has been owned by Italian-based Proma Group following its acquisition from RECARO Holding. The brand has been voted "Best Brand" 20 times consecutively by auto motor und sport readers. Revenue streams comprise OEM hardware sales, aftermarket hardware sales, brand licensing fees paid to RECARO Holding, and specialty seating (stadium, maritime).

Name

RECARO Automotive

Legal name

RECARO Automotive

Website

https://recaro-automotive.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1906

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

RECARO Automotive designs and manufactures premium performance, motorsport, comfort, classic, and specialty seating for OEM automakers, racing teams, enthusiasts, and stadium/maritime applications, operating under the RECARO brand license and owned by Proma Group since 2025.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Seating

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Seating and Interior Trim Manufacturing (336360), Motor Vehicle Seating and Interior Trim Manufacturing (33636)

SIC

Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)

akta.pro primary industry

Automotive Seating Systems Manufacturing (Frames/Mechanisms/Foam/Complete Seats) (IMACAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Automotive Interior Trim & Cockpit Components Manufacturing (Dash/Console/Door Panels/Headliners) (IMACAKAB), Aftermarket Interior Accessories Manufacturing (Floor Mats/Seat Covers/Steering Covers/Storage) (IMACANAJ)

Keywords

• Automotive seating
• Motorsport racing seats
• Composite car seats
• OEM car seats
• Ergonomic vehicle seating

Headquarters

HQ city

Clinton Township

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. OEM Seats: Original equipment manufacturer seats supplied to prominent globally active automobile manufacturers
2. Aftermarket Seats: Retrofit sports seats, racing shells, and motorsport seats sold directly to consumers and through dealer network
3. Brand Licensing: RECARO Automotive uses the brand RECARO under a license of the RECARO Holding
4. Specialty Seats: Stadium seats, maritime seats, and other specialty seating products

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

RECARO Automotive manufactures premium seating for performance vehicles, motorsport, classic cars, and adjacent applications. The portfolio spans aftermarket dynamic seats, FIA-homologated racing shells, AGR-certified ergonomic comfort seats, classic car seats, and stadium/maritime seating, alongside OEM seats supplied to manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Toyota, and Nissan. Distribution combines OEM supply, an authorized dealer network, an e-commerce shop, and a Munich flagship store.

Product overview

RECARO Automotive is a premium brand in automotive seating offering a comprehensive portfolio of seats across multiple segments. The product lineup includes: Dynamic seats (aftermarket sports seats) such as the Podium CF, Podium GF, Sport C, Sportster CS, Cross Sportster CS, Pole Position ABE, and Speed; Racing seats including Pro Racer SPG & SPA, Profi SPG, and Pole Position N.G. FIA; Comfort seats for everyday driving including Ergomed E, Expert, and Specialist; Classic seats for vintage vehicles including Classic LS, Classic LX, and Classic Pole Position ABE; plus Stadium and Maritime seating solutions. The company also provides OEM seats to prominent manufacturers like Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Toyota. Founded in 1906, RECARO uses the brand under license of RECARO Holding and is known for innovations in lightweight composite shells, carbon fiber technology, and ergonomic design. Since 2025, RECARO Automotive is part of the Proma Group.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• RECARO: Core automotive seating brand operating under license from RECARO Holding.
• RECARO Automotive

Products and services

• RECARO Podium CF Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) shell seat approved for road and track use. The only retrofit shell seat with both ABE/TÜV component certification and FIA 8855-1999 homologation. Net shell weight 4.9 kg — lightest seat in the world. Features dynamic ride performance and slim design.
• RECARO Podium GF Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) shell seat for road and track use. First racing shell awarded the AGR e.V. seal of quality for back-friendly products. Features passive ventilation and airy pad contours; net weight approximately 8.5 kg.
• RECARO Pole Position (ABE) Road-legal racing shell with ABE/TÜV component certification. One-piece shell made of carbon-aramid (CFRP/AFRP) or glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP). Carbon shell weight approximately 4.5 kg; standard approximately 7.0 kg. First launched in 2005 as the world's first full shell with ABE certification.
• RECARO Sport C First all-electric 8-way aftermarket sports seat with pioneering ultra-slim backrest design. AGR-certified for ergonomics, with 2-level seat heating, 4-way lumbar support, very low hip point, and innovative structure for maximum safety.
• RECARO Sportster CS Highlight of the RECARO sports seat range combining a comfortable sports seat with a pure racing shell. Lightweight shell with exclusive slim design and outstanding lateral and shoulder support. Used in 32 high-performance OEM vehicle models. Optional universal side airbag available.
• RECARO Cross Sportster CS Variant of Sportster CS with a flatter seat cushion for easier entry and exit in high vehicles such as SUVs. Features Easy Access functionality, composite materials, and optional universal side airbag.
• RECARO Speed Dugout seating for cars providing firm lateral support with integrated headrest and iconic belt slot. Features ABE/TÜV component certification and is available in ambla leather or motorsport velour. Also used as a stadium seat for coach benches.
• RECARO Pro Racer SPG & SPA Premium racing seat for GT and touring cars built to FIA 8855-1999 standard. Available in four versions with CFRP/AFRP or GFRP shells in standard and XL sizes. Features flexible sidemount for HANS driver safety systems compatibility and FMVSS 302 flame-retardant upholstery.
• RECARO Profi SPG Racing seat ideal for off-road and rally use with proven glass fiber reinforced polymer shells. XL variant is wider and higher with larger belt slots. Seating width 375 mm. FIA 8855-1999 approved.
• RECARO Pole Position N.G. (FIA) Racing seat for GT, touring cars, and club motorsport with FIA 8855-1999 homologation. Features highly flame-retardant upholstery (FMVSS 302), anatomical seat contour, paddable lumbar support, and HANS compatibility. Weight approximately 7.7 kg.
• RECARO Ergomed E Top-tier comfort seat combining luxurious comfort with superb ergonomics and AGR certification. Features electric height adjustment, lumbar support, air conditioning, seat heating, and optional universal side airbag. Offers 173 quadrillion different adjustment combinations.
• RECARO Expert Flexible comfort seat with modular design adapting to different body sizes. Available in S, M, and L seat cushion variants. Features electric backrest adjustment, adjustable side bolsters, and paddable lumbar support.
• RECARO Specialist Entry-level comfort seat with modular design available in S, M, and L sizes. Can be fitted with optional electric backrest adjustment. Features ABE/TÜV component certification and paddable lumbar support.
• RECARO Classic LS Classic seat for sporty driving with impressive sporty side bolsters, paddable lumbar support, and adjustable seat depth (480–530 mm). Features backrest folding for rear seat access and ABE/TÜV certification.
• RECARO Classic LX Classic seat emphasizing comfort with an extendable front seat cushion for thigh support. Combines structured and breathable cushion materials for optimal climate control.
• RECARO Classic Pole Position (ABE) Classic version of the road-legal racing shell derived from the Porsche 964 RS. Combines authentic vintage appearance with a glass fiber shell, ABE/TÜV certification, and suitability for 3- or 4-point belts.
• RECARO Stadium Seats Ergonomic seating for stadiums used by soccer teams, coaches, and physiotherapists. Features ergonomic design, firm upholstery, seat heating, and comfort features to reduce muscle tension and improve readiness. Used by VfB Stuttgart and Paris FC.
• RECARO Maritime Seats Seats designed for boats and yachts providing comfort and ergonomic support for maritime use.
• RECARO Sportster CS Nürburgring Limited Edition Strictly limited edition (999 units worldwide) of the Sportster CS featuring exclusive Nürburgring and RECARO branding, an edition tag with custom number, premium black leather upholstery, and handmade decorative stitching.
• RECARO Classic Line for BMW E30 Classic Line seats designed specifically for the BMW E30. Includes Classic Pole Position (ABE) and Classic LS versions with exclusive 'houndstooth' fabric and black leather, plus vehicle-specific baseframes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 173 Quadrillion different seat adjustment combinations for personalized comfort
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Proma GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Italian-based Proma Group completed acquisition of RECARO Automotive GmbH in 2025. RECARO Automotive is now part of the Proma Group, bringing Italian ownership to the German automotive seat manufacturer with approximately 350 employees.
• C12 TechnologycoreTechnology or Integration · 1 November 2023In November 2023, RECARO Automotive North America Inc. completed the acquisition of C12 Technology, a specialist in carbon fiber composite automotive parts software. This strengthens RECARO's position in high-performance seating through advanced composite expertise.
• Manthey-Raeder MotorsportflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with Manthey-Raeder Motorsport, the most successful team in VLN/NLS with 55 overall victories since 1977. Deep friendship and collaboration since 2013 merger.
• X-Raid TeamflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Sven Quandt's X-Raid Team for cross-country rallying. RECARO Pro Racer seats tested in 8+ hour races where perfect seating is critical for crew performance.
• RECARO HoldingcoreOthersLicense agreement allowing RECARO Automotive to use the RECARO brand under license of the RECARO Holding. Other RECARO Group companies include RECARO Aircraft Seating, RECARO Kids, RECARO Gaming, and RECARO Rail.
• Racing Drivers (Walter Röhrl, Timo Bernhard, etc.)flagshipOthersPartnerships with legendary racing drivers including Walter Röhrl (rally legend), Timo Bernhard (endurance champion), and various Formula DRIFT professionals who provide product feedback and endorsements.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Corbeau Seats: UK-based aftermarket and motorsport seat manufacturer supplying FIA-approved bucket seats and harnesses. Comparable as a niche specialist serving club motorsport and tuning enthusiasts with composite-shell racing seats.
• Bride: Japan-based manufacturer of aftermarket and motorsport bucket seats, particularly strong in the JDM tuning scene. Comparable in product category (aftermarket racing shells, FIA-approved seats) and competes in the same Asian and global enthusiast channels as RECARO.
• Cobra Seats: UK aftermarket motorsport seat manufacturer producing FIA-homologated bucket seats. Comparable niche specialist competing in aftermarket and club motorsport with similar composite shell offerings.
• Momo: Italian heritage brand producing steering wheels, racing seats, shift knobs, and apparel for OEM and motorsport. Comparable Italian heritage-brand positioning with OEM supply to Ferrari and others and aftermarket enthusiast distribution.
• Sabelt: Italian motorsport and OEM seat supplier producing FIA-homologated racing seats and OEM seats for Ferrari and other performance brands. Direct competitor in premium motorsport and OEM niches with comparable composite and homologation capabilities.
• OMP Racing: Italian motorsport equipment manufacturer producing FIA-approved racing seats, harnesses, and safety gear. Directly comparable product portfolio in motorsport seats and a global distribution footprint serving the same customer base.
• Sparco: Italian manufacturer of motorsport and aftermarket automotive seats, harnesses, and steering wheels. Closely comparable product portfolio — FIA-homologated racing shells, OEM supply, and enthusiast aftermarket — competing head-to-head in similar customer segments.

Broad incumbents

• Adient: World's largest automotive seating supplier with broad OEM programs across mass-market and premium automakers. Adjacent incumbent that competes with RECARO on volume OEM platforms and increasingly on premium-content seats, but operates at vastly larger scale across all vehicle segments.
• Faurecia (FORVIA): Global Tier 1 automotive supplier with a major seating business unit serving mass-market and premium OEMs. Comparable in OEM seat manufacturing technology but at significantly larger scale and broader product portfolio than RECARO's specialist focus.
• Lear Corporation: Global Tier 1 automotive seating and electrical systems supplier serving most major OEMs. Overlaps with RECARO where Lear supplies premium performance brand programs but operates a much broader portfolio across mainstream vehicle lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/recaroautomotive
• Instagraminstagram.com/recaroautomotive
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCZ-2Y9g5C-H_9WViK-ZH3Ag
• Xx.com/recarousa

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RECARO Automotive