The European automobile seating sector has undergone consolidation as a result of an outsourcing by European automobile manufacturers of their seating systems. There are now 4-5 major competing suppliers of polyurethane seat components plus a group of small niche-orientated firms. Compared with around 40% in 1993, almost two thirds of the $ 3.6bn market is now thought to be outsourced. Around one third of the market will be controlled by Johnson Controls Inc (JCI) after the acquisition of a majority share in Roth Frères SA (5 Rue Schertz, F-67023 Straßburg). This doubles its European automotive-related sales to more than $ 1.2bn. JCI already has a European output of 19,000/day complete seat assemblies, with 44 production and/or assembly sites and a further 9 due to be commissioned in 1995.

Lear Seating Corp is offering $ 626m for Automotive Industries Holding Inc, which has facilities in Germany, Sweden and the UK. Recticel is another potential major player, with a significant presence in Europe's slabstock foam industry and plans to increase automotive-related operations as part of its overall business from 12-13% to 20% in the years to come.