1956
Production of seat braces for automobile manufacturers Production.
 
1963
Manufacturing of vehicle seats for Porsche.
 
1965
RECARO developed the first seat worldwide with a lateral guide (first sport seat).
 
1968
The first seat worldwide with an adjustable shoulder support is introduced to the market.
 
Introduction of head supports (An option at first, but now standard since 1973 in every RECARO seat).
 
1971
World innovation: the first vehicle seat with integrated seat belt is introduced by RECARO at the Automechanika.
 
RECARO begins working in the area "airline passenger seats".
 
1973
RECARO offers the anti-submarining seat upholstery guide, as its first manufacturer, which prevents it from sliding under the seat belt during an accident.
 
The entire plant moves from the Augustenstraße in Stuttgart to the former Wiest stove factory in Kirchheim/Teck.
 
RECARO introduces a full-shell as seat structure "Ideal seat 73C": world innovation in safety.
 
1976
The first RECARO motor-sport seat "RECARO Profi" (full shell) is introduced.
 
1977
Track-breaking innovations in ergonomics: RECARO Airmatic System ® (pneumatic lumbar supports), seat surface extension and adjustable side faces on the seat surface and backrest.
 
RECARO introduces the electrically adjustable backrest.
 
1981
Introduction of the first RECARO utility vehicle seat based on the Orthopäd 81. The seat has a swinging system.
 
1982
Transfer of the division "airline passenger seats" to Schwäbisch Hall.
 
RECARO introduces a seat with stereo loudspeakers integrated in the head supports.
 
1984
The first vehicle seat worldwide with bracing on both sides.
 
The comfort seat "RECARO CSE" is offered with memory function.
 
1986
The first seat for taxi drivers, the "T line" with breathing upholstery.
 
1989
Innovation in the field of materials: the back shell of the sports seat A8 is made of plastic.
 
1990
Introduction of the first passenger vehicle seat (taxi seat) with the patented RECARO vent system®.
 
1991
Introduction of the RECARO Variomed. World innovation: the first vehicle seat with asymmetrical adjustment.
 
1994
Market introduction of the new retrofitting generation with the models "Trend", "Style" and "Sport".
 
1996
Introduction of the first racing shell worldwide with head protection. With the new racing shell (Pro Racer) RECARO revolutionizes safety standards in professional racing sport.
 
1998
Equipping the complete sport construction series for Audi models S3, S4, and S6 with RECARO seats.
 
Market introduction of the first RECARO child seat: the "Start" concept is a "growing" children seat, a novelty on the market.
 
Together with the KEIPER company, the concept of the Maybach rear seat system is developed.
 
The development of the first of the RECARO "Trend"-based series seats for Aston Martin (DB 7).
 
1999
The development of the RECARO ModuLine - a system of standardized construction elements for upgrading series seat structures.
 
2000
Beginning of collaboration with Opel OPC to develop OPC-specific sport seats, beginning with the Opel Zafira OPC.
 
2001
The introduction of the RECARO kart seat.
 
2002
The RECARO INCASE (Intelligent Car Sensing) represents a new weight and position detection system, developed together with Sartorius.
 
As its first manufacturer, RECARO offers a racing shell tailored to the HANS-system. HANS is an abbreviation for "Head and Neck Support" and is used in professional racing to protect the driver during severe accidents.
 
2003
The new hybrid lightweight seating concept is introduced for the first time at the IAA.
 
2004
RECARO introduces the first universal side air bag seat worldwide which can be retrofitted to the market. It can be built into different vehicle models, without difficulty and with ABE.
 
The lightest serially-produced seat in the world at that time was brought onto the market as the carbon shell seat of the Porsche Carrera GT.
 
2005
The hybrid lightweight seat is adopted in series production for the VW Golf R 32 and the Audi RS 4. The new seat generation combines sportiness and comfort.
 
Another development first, RECARO succeeds with its new hybrid lightweight shell to revolution the seat structure. The load-bearing seat structure utilises the latest polymer technology allowing RECARO to offer an immense reduction in weight combined with more interior space and many design options for the car, when compared to traditional seat construction.
 
A co-operation with an experienced manufacturer of office chairs allows RECARO to enter this new market segment with its ‘office line’. The chairs are also used as 24-hours chairs in control centres.
 
The launch of the RECARO Style XL was the companies answer to the requests of the taller driver. This aftermarket seat with its high back rest and excellent ergonomics was designed for the requirements of large people. The seat not only provides a special high backrest and an extra high adjustable headrest, but also a seat cushion extension.
 
2006
The Profi race shell “Pole Position (ABE)” is the first full shell seat with a general type approval for road use, enabling an absolute motor sport feeling.
 
2007
With the “Cross Speed” RECARO launches a seat specifically designed for off-road vehicles (SUVs).
 
RECARO becomes a full range supplier in the child seat segment with its newly developed products for the ECE groups 0+, I and II / III with IsoFix or SeatFix.
 
2008
RECARO launches its first ergonomic seat for forklift drivers. With its long lasting experience in the field of ergonomic seats RECARO developed this special seat “Expert FL” for forklift and crane applications.
 
Weighing only 4.5kg and made of pure carbon-fibre the club sport race-shell “RECARO Pole Position Carbon (ABE) is the world’s lightest seat.Offering more performance, superb lateral support, a fantastic appearance and a huge weight saving compared to standard seats.
 
Another global first, RECARO presents its new seat structure, which offers the lowest distance between hip point and vehicle floor. This seat structure is one component of RECARO’s new “kit system”.
 
2009
RECARO launches its new standardised track concept for aftermarket baseframes (fitting kits), which offers manual and electric adjustment options.

2010
RECARO presents the seat study “Pure Seating” for city and electric vehicles on the “Automotive Interiors Expo”. Approximate 50% weight reduction with this concept – without losing space or comfort.