Ask any furniture upholstery repair shop and you're sure to hear the same thing: The cheaper it gets for folks to buy replacement sofas and dining seats, the less business they see. Until now, auto upholsterers have been relatively protected from such wasteful, throw-away consumerism. But that may soon change – as French automaker Renault is slated to release a car this … [Read more...] about Renault Has Disposable Zip-Off Upholstery
Industry Trends & Reports
Traditional Car Radios, RIP?
Car ashtrays and front bench seats fell into gradual extinction. Will traditional car radios be the next interior feature to go? If in-vehicle audio trends continue the way they are, it’s very possible. … [Read more...] about Traditional Car Radios, RIP?
Tax Refunds Spell More Business for Shops
If you're not planning any sales or promotions to take advantage of US customers' tax refunds, maybe you should. According to a study conducted by eBay Motors, one-third of consumers expecting cash back from the federal government plan on spending at least 35% of it on a new car or repair. … [Read more...] about Tax Refunds Spell More Business for Shops
China Battles Toxic Car Interiors
Last year, it was reported that "new car smell" – which stems from plastics and chemicals used to form car interiors – is, in fact, toxic. To combat the negative health effects associated with the smell, governments have begun enacting stricter regulations on the auto industry. The latest comes from China. … [Read more...] about China Battles Toxic Car Interiors
Does Your Upholstery Shop Measure Up?
Hotrod & Restoration Magazine has published its annual report on the automotive restoration industry – including statistics on hourly rates, revenue and busy seasons for auto upholstery shops. Take a look at the data that they’ve compiled and let us know how your business measures up. … [Read more...] about Does Your Upholstery Shop Measure Up?
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