As auto upholsterers, we can easily tell the difference between genuine leather and synthetic leather, which automakers often call "leatherette." However, a new report by J.D. Power & Associates reveals that a lot of car owners can’t. … [Read more...] about Can You Tell Real and Fake Leather Apart?
Industry Trends & Reports
Lines Blur When Affordable Cars Go Luxury
While speaking at the 2015 WardsAuto Interiors Conference last month in Dearborn, Michigan, Adam Bernard of General Motors addressed the auto industry's changing perception of luxury interiors. His comments provided insight on a trend that auto upholsterers have long noticed: Affordable cars are increasingly being manufactured with higher-quality materials – especially on … [Read more...] about Lines Blur When Affordable Cars Go Luxury
Recaro Wants to Take Over the World
Remember when Recaro was a brand of aftermarket car seat that was only known in racing circles? Well, that's not the case any more. Over the last 10 years, the company has grown to become a household name, and its products are now featured in a range of straight-from-the-factory vehicles — some of which aren't even legit sports cars. The Detroit News recently published an … [Read more...] about Recaro Wants to Take Over the World
The Death of Convertible Hardtops
We've written extensively about America's waning interest in convertible tops — a trend that doesn't appear to be reversing any time soon. But as automakers manufacture less and less convertible models, there does appear to be a bit of good news: The fad of hardtop convertibles is quickly dying, making way for a resurgence of soft-top convertibles. … [Read more...] about The Death of Convertible Hardtops
Haartz Talks Knockoff Convertible Tops
The trend of customers buying subpar convertible tops online and asking auto upholstery shops to install them is a problem we’ve discussed in great length on The Hog Ring. It decreases our sales, disrupts our workflow and – when the product inevitably fails – damages our reputations. Fortunately, we’re not alone in the fight against inferior-quality products. Haartz … [Read more...] about Haartz Talks Knockoff Convertible Tops
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