The history of RECARO begins in 1906: master saddler Wilhelm Reutter establishes a factory for whell and body-work production in Stuttgart, commencing his activities in vehicle body construction with enormous pioneering spirit. Only six years later, in 1912, the company obtains a patent for the first waterproof and winterized surface material. Already in 1932, the company has a total of 400 employees.

In 1935, the first sales contract with Porsche is concluded: the Wilhelm Reutter Karosserie und Radfabrik builds car bodies for Porsche and other manufactures - for example, the first VW Beetle. 1939: deather of the company founder. In 1949, Reutter obtains a further production contract from Porsche. Then, in the 1960's the factory in Zuffenhausen is acquired by Porsche, and the RECARO GmbH & Co - the new name is derived from REutter and CROsserien (car bodies) - established. Seats for Prosche are produced for the first time.

In 1965, the first RECARO sports seat is presented at the Automobile Show. The start of aircraft passenger seat production in 1971 represents a further milestone in the RECARO company history.

1973 sees the transfer of production from Stuttgart to Kirchheim/Teck. A short time later, a subsidiary is established in USA. In 1983, the KEIPER AG acquires 100% of the shares of RECARO changing the name to KEIPER RECARO GmbH & Co.

IN the early 1990's, the RECARO Centrer is opened in Kirchheim/Teck, comprising the devisions Design, Development, Construction, Sales and Marketing.

In 1993, the "RECARO ergomed" comfort seat is introduced, followed in 1996 by the "RECARO sport" series. With these new ranges, RECARO beside its activities in the sports area - extends its fields of competence, taking an important step for the demands of the future.

This growing product portfolio is a response to the customers's evolving requirements. Today, RECARO offers tailormade seats to meet individual needs. RECARO seats represent trendsetting innovations for trade and industry, above all for the initial supply segment. Many automobile manufacturers such as Audi, Jaguar or VW offer RECARO seats as standard fittings or as special extras supplied ex factory.

A further important milestone for the company is the development and successful introduction of the first RECARO child's seat in 1998.

Today, as ever, RECARO, as manufacturer of vehicle seats, is a pioneer in terms of quality and innovation in the automobile supply industry and in the eyes of the consumer.