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• NHTSA rules on side curtain airbags

  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed new rules that would require automakers to improve side curtain airbags by making them cover more of the window, stay inflated longer and possibly be tethered to keep occupants inside the vehicle during a rollover.

  March 1, 2010

• Sample books for automotive interiors

  Companies that do automotive upholstery are familiar with Detroit Car Books; they’re sample books that show the fabrics used in OEM automotive interiors for a particular year.

  March 1, 2010

• Autoliv buys Delphi assets

  Delphi Automotive LLP, Troy, Mich., emerged from a four-year bankruptcy in October 2009 and divested a string of businesses, including its North American airbag, seatbelt and steering wheel manufacturing facilities.

  February 1, 2010
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  Automotive detailing film

  Series 975 Carbon Fiber Cast has a textured surface specially developed for exterior automotive accent restyling and interior applications for fine detailing.

  February 1, 2010
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  Cover protects historic wagon

  This fully restored 19th century Gypsy wagon needed a cover to protect it from the elements during transit and storage.

  February 1, 2010
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  Custom transportation upholstery offers profitable opportunities

  By air, land or sea, capture demand with quality and creativity.

  February 1, 2010

• Funding carbon fiber research projects

  Lightweight, high-strength carbon fiber can potentially save energy by making vehicles lighter, which improves fuel efficiency.

  February 1, 2010
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  Side curtains allow easy access on the job

  Side curtains allow crews easy access to tools, to help boost efficiency by streamlining the installation process at a job site.

  February 1, 2010
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  Tarps keep trees cool during transport

  The transport of live trees comes with a unique set of challenges.

  February 1, 2010
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  Airbag system protects troops from explosions

  Among the military acronyms that have infiltrated common speech in the wake of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, IED (improvised explosive device) and RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) may be two of the most deadly.

  January 1, 2010

• Auto interior manufacturers to attend conference

  Despite a global recession, manufacturers of auto interiors keep driving forward.

  January 1, 2010
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  High-tech wool keeps auto interior cool

  The streamlined, lightweight, zero-emission iChange shifts to save energy, and its futuristic design includes high-tech wool for seat covers, door panels and roof liners that keep even dark-colored interiors comfortable.

  January 1, 2010

• South Carolina welcomes textile research firm

  Materials Innovation Technologies, Fletcher, N.C., plans to open a new facility in Florence County, S.C., to expand its development of advanced carbon-fiber textiles for the automotive, aeronautics and defense industries.

  January 1, 2010
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  Stretchable spacer fabrics

  QuikSlim is comprised of a connecting layer sandwiched between two fabric layers.

  January 1, 2010
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  World solar challenges

  The state of the race in photovoltaics and composites.

  January 1, 2010

• U.S. suppliers stay competitive

  Sponsored by IFAI Market Research

  In an IFAI business climate survey, three factors constraining growth in the U.S. specialty fabrics market were mentioned: high raw material costs, overseas competition, and high oil/energy prices. From September –December 2008, high raw material and petroleum-related prices were exacerbated by tighter credit markets and record unemployment.
  
  Survey respondents reported some positive factors: increasing market share due to increased consolidation, greater export opportunities, and development of new technology and growth in eco-friendly green markets. Growth markets include medical textiles, military applications, safety and protective products, and the domestic and international use of geosynthetics.
  
  Increases in raw material and energy costs, increased labor costs and medical insurance premiums and the possible long-term shrinkage of the military market were mentioned as threats to growth. The poor economy means a weak U.S. dollar, tighter credit and reduced consumer buying. Overcapacity could be a problem, due to increased costs, decreased customer demand and global competition, especially from China and India.
  
  In response, suppliers will focus on high value products, profitable niche markets and product diversification, improving manufacturing processes, R&D and information technology. Advertising, marketing and sales promotion will be key.

  From the 2009 State of the Industry Report. Purchase a complete report at the IFAI Bookstore.

  Learn more…