According to a recent report published by IMS Automotive Interiors Worldwide, the use of leather in the European auto market is set to significantly increase in the next five years – placing higher demand on hides and, subsequently, raising its cost for auto trimmers.
The report, titled “Leather in European Auto Industry 2012”, is available in full through IMS for about $8,000. However, Leather International magazine has summarized the reports findings in eight points:
1. In 2011 leather seating was fitted to just over 19% of European-produced cars. If mixed leather (for example, leather/Alcantara) seats are included the total exceeded 25%.
2. Further significant growth is forecast during the next five years to take the overall total (leather and mixed leather) to just below 32%. By 2016 it is forecast that some form of leather seating will be fitted to nearly one in three European-produced cars.
3. This growth is all the more impressive when looked at in terms of the number of cars expected to be fitted with leather and mixed leather seats; ims forecasts that this will increase from an estimated just under 4mn in 2011 to a forecast of just over 6 million in 2016 – a volume rise of over 50%.
4. Some vehicle marques and segments have already reached saturation point in terms of leather fitment. This applies in particular to exclusive British brands such as Aston Martin, Bentley and Roll-Royce, as well as the premium models from the German producers Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Growth is expected to come mainly from the volume brands like Ford, GM Europe and Renault which are increasingly fitting leather (or mixed leather) as standard on their top-of-the-range models and offering it as an option elsewhere.
5. This growth will be accompanied by major challenges, especially with regard to leather supply. In particular, there is likely to be upward pressure on hide prices, along with the need to purchase increasingly from non-European sources.
To meet these cost pressures, the industry has had two main responses – higher capital expenditure to improve productivity and the outsourcing of processes to low cost countries.
6. Potential shortages of hides and the corresponding likelihood of higher prices are the main reasons behind the expected rapid rise in mixed leather fitment.
7. It’s probable too that vehicle manufacturers will show increasing interest in some leather alternatives such as Alcantara (which offers differentiation, especially in sporting models) and the latest vinyls which provide strong competition to leather in terms of their appearance and properties.
8. Few European-based tanneries have the necessary scale and attributes to meet the demands of supplying to the auto sector. Economic conditions in recent years have been tough with the result that the sector has experienced a degree of consolidation. It is anticipated that further structural change among European tanneries will take place, especially as leather suppliers will be required to follow the international expansion of their major customers and thereby operate increasingly on a global scale.
9. Some Tier 1 seating suppliers are moving towards vertical integration by making investments in the leather processing sector. To counter this trend leather suppliers are becoming more active in design and development functions and have begun to build their own relationships with the OEMs.
While the report’s main focus is on the European auto market, it is easy to see how pressures of supply and demand may affect leather prices in the United States as well – especially since European-based tanneries don’t have the resources to meet increasing demand in their market. How drastic of a price hike will this translate into for US-based auto upholstery shops? Only time will tell.
For more info on the market for automotive leather, read our article: Ever Wonder How Leather is Priced?
In a way, I tell my customers the pros and cons of leather when they ask for it. There are so many vinyls that look and feel just like leather and much cheaper that the customer will usually go with that instead.
You’re right carolinaauto. And it’s usually the more practical choice too.
Check out our previous article: “Is Leather Really Better Than Vinyl”: http://tinyurl.com/c9s98ew
Hi Nadeem, Thanks for covering this topic “Is Leather Really Better Than Vinyl”. appreciate some topics but I have my own thought on Faux and Genuine leather.
Thanks
About the only time we use leather is in a truck or car that is less than 5 years old when repairing a bolster. They still have trade-in worth and the owners are more likely to want to keep the repair original. But when I point to the back of the seat and tell them “this is vinyl” they are shocked. Older cars generally go with vinyl because of price.
I did just get the new info cards from Coast to Coast Leather. Along with the updated cards of available leather, they also have their new closeout card. Some of those leathers are available for as little as $1.25/sq foot wholesale. I may buy a few hides just to have basic colors on hand.
Awesome, I didn’t know they were sending out the closeout cards. I’m going to call them on Monday. Thanks Stitcher Guy!
Dang. Now you’ll take all the hides I was thinking about buying. lololol.
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