Many counterfeits are adding to Recaro and BBS's woes, Fanatec under threat?

Products from Fanatec. (Doc. Fanatec)

JAKARTA - Two icons of the automotive industry, Recaro and BBS, are facing serious financial difficulties. Recaro, known for his sports seat, has filed for bankruptcy, while the BBS electoral producer cannot pay debts on time.

In the automotive world Recaro became the original equipment (OE) supplier for brands such as BMW, Ford, Porsche, and Volkswagen. However, the company gained popularity thanks to seat seats fixed for racing and reclining sports seats for modified cars.

Although BMW still uses the Recaro seat on its M model, Ford continues its 40-year tradition by pairing it on the Mustang S650, many car manufacturers are now switching production on their own sports seat.

Drive reported, quoted on August 9, Recaro was very attached when he was a characteristic of Honda Type R's performance cars, but in the late 2000s, now Honda stopped using Recaro and created its own high-proportioned sports seat.

Ford Performance has also started producing its own seats for hot hatch models, removing the Recaro chair as the standard feature of Fiesta ST, Puma ST, and Focus ST by the end of 2021.

The increase in international trade has also caused a sharp increase in the number of fake Recaro seats in the market, allowing buyers to get similar views at a much cheaper price..

It is not yet clear whether this bankruptcy filing will end Recaro or the company can restructure its finances and continue to operate.

But Japan's Recaro has issued a recent written statement, clarifying that the latest bankruptcy news is limited to Recaro in Germany. The company confirmed that the separate Recaro entities in North America and Japan were not affected by recent developments with Recaro Germany, with the two companies affirming their commitment to developing, producing, and selling car seats.

Meanwhile, BBS has also stated a fifth default in debt in recent years. The company is a supplier of OE rims to Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz and AMG, Porsche, Stellantis, and Volkswagen Group, as well as an exclusive supplier of rims to Formula One since 2022.

Just like Recaro, BBS is also facing an increase in the number of fake rim makers who imitate its iconic design. BBS is currently under administrator supervision.

However, financial difficulties have also been experienced by Fanatec, a leading producer in the steering wheel industry, pedals, and a simulated cockpit for racing video games, as well as Gran Turismo's official partners, Forza, World Rally Championship, and NASCAR. The company also has a license with McLaren, BMW, and Porsche.

Fanatec is now facing a huge challenge after its parent company, Endor AG, filed for bankruptcy. However, computer game hardware manufacturer Corsair has announced its intention to acquire Endor AG, providing a glimmer of hope for Fanatec's fans.