The current state of the economy has left the car industry in tatters. Car sales have declined over the last year and more consumers are keeping their current vehicles instead of replacing them with newer ones. So, what has happened to the automobile accessory industry? Has it too been left in tatters?
As it stands, the automobile accessory industry is doing better than ever. This is because as a result of most consumers holding on to older vehicles, the need for accessories to spruce up those existing cars and trucks has risen exponentially. Now, in an effort to jazz up their cars to look newer, consumers invest in a variety of accessories from specialty headlights, to seat covers, to custom steering wheel covers, and more. Business is booming for auto accessory retailers and with good reason. Many of the top accessories not only make your car or truck look better, they also serve to protect the interior — and sometimes exterior — of the vehicle to make it last that much longer.
Seat covers are a great example of the dual purpose an auto accessory can serve in a vehicle. Seat covers come in a huge range of styles, from funky, bold, printed designs to simple hues, and can be found at just about any auto accessory retailer. In addition to being a cool design element that can be added to a vehicle, they also serve to extend the life of the upholstery in a car or truck, ensuring that tears and cracks are kept to a minimum. Seat covers can be easily installed and are usually machine washable, which translates into easy care. Car detailers can clean a car’s upholstery with the seat covers on, which is another easy way to ensure they are properly cleansed.
Seat covers are a great example of a product that is keeping the auto industry thriving. Purchasing custom seat covers allows consumers to add a new look to their vehicle without spending a great deal of extra money — which in this economy is something most customers appreciate. Saving money is a priority for most vehicle owners these days and purchasing an auto accessory that promotes saving money while extending the life of their vehicle is a win-win situation for consumers.
By: Dan Bodrero
Archive for November, 2009
Auto Accessory Industry Is Doing Better Than Ever
November 23rd, 2009Trw Reveals Next-generation Integrated Electronic Control Panel
November 21st, 2009
The latest and ground-breaking next-generation Integrated Electronic Control Panel (IECP) has already been introduced by the TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. Body Control Systems business yesterday. This ultra-modern device merges key interior controls, highly developed vehicle network architectures, and telematics into a sole, suitable panel as a part of the vehicle’s car parts situated in the middle stack.
According to the Auto Channel, the new-fangled design gives up numerous benefits to the vehicle manufacturer and consumer which include improved cabin styling and enhanced safety due to abridged human machine interface (HMI).
“The integrated control panel is truly a leap forward for automotive interior design and for the way people interact with vehicles. Technology advancements have led to an incredible array of personal communication devices as well as vehicle-based infotainment and telematics. Add these to traditional onboard systems and vehicle cockpits are being transformed into virtual command centers,” says Victor Peltola, director, sales and business development for TRW North America Body Control Systems.
“Dealing with these devices in a safe and efficient manner with flexibility for the future is the aim of this new system,” Peltola added.
TRW provided its first generation IECP on the Chrysler Caravan and Town and Country with its innovative car parts and has been awarded dealing for its next-generation IECP for two European vehicle platforms.
“Our IECP technology roadmap calls for increasing levels of sophistication including capacitive touch sensor technology similar to that used in laptop touch pads, touchscreen displays, proximity sensing, and even the possibility of gesture recognition and advanced vision technology to assist in controlling vehicle functions. IECP technology represents a quantum leap forward for the art and science of vehicle interior design and control functions,” says Dan Mittelbrun, senior manager, product planning.
For vehicle manufacturers, the IECP enables:
Differentiation – customization and advanced HMI technologies such as capacitive touch sense (similar to a touchscreen) can be employed
Remote control – control of internal and external devices by a separate “black box” unit leading to reduced cost and effortless upgrades for future tools
Enhanced packaging and styling flexibility
For vehicle buyers, the IECP features:
Safety – decreases driver disruption – controls are within easier reach, closer together, and more integrated with steering wheel controls
Design – highly flexible customized design including color matching to the interior, back lighting, and jeweled surfaces , as well as providing superior fit and finish
External device interface – rovides both direct and wireless (Bluetooth(R)(1) interface and control of traveling devices including cell phones, MP3 players, Radio, Broadband internet access, and navigation devices
By: Anthony Fontanelle
Uses of Auto Seat cover’s & It’s Types
November 20th, 2009Most of the car drivers don’t pay any attention on the auto seat covers. They give importance only to its looks and other things. But Auto seat covers are vital thing to be considered in a car as person sitting inside the car should feel comfortable. And this also keeps your seats dirt free and clean and also protects the seats from all other damaging elements. Auto seat covers also helps the seats to retain their original shape.
There is wide range of auto seat cover companies all around the world. Where some company offer you with design and exclusive seat covers where as few offer very simple covers at affordable rates. These companies also offer baby seat covers for the cars. While purchasing baby seat covers you got to bear in mind that you purchase good seat cover which gives security to the baby while running of the car. And it is also great benficial for parents who are using seat covers as they can wash the covers in case infants do any mess on that.
There are many kinds of seat covers availed in the market where few are listed below:
Unique car seat covers : unique auto seat covers are the covers which are completely distinctive form others and these are customized fit which means they perfectly fit in your car regardless of low-back or high-back bucket seats. These unique auto seat covers are always easy to remove and fit back to the seat. But one drawback is they cannot be used for auto seats with side-impact airbags. Leopard car seat covers : Leopard auto seat covers are the finest covers if it’s affordable by you. These auto seat covers give you stylish and great and trendy comfort. This seat cover is perfect for single men. Leather Auto Seat covers : Leather car seat covers give an elegant look to the interior of your car. They come in diverse presentations, colors and leather qualities, tested to resist any harmful elements. This will augment the stability of the interior of your car. Custom Fit Seat Cover : Premium quality seat covers that are produced by automation systems entailing computer generated designs as well as computer aided producing process are known as Custom seat covers. This name is used as these covers are all custom made based on the exact make and model measurements. And consequently, they always fit precisely. Universal Fit Seat Covers : Fits any low-back or high-back bucket seat in car although the make, model and the year of produce may vary. Universal covers are the ones that you come across in general. These covers are not suggested as they are not made with the precise specifications and so rarely proffer a good fit. Semi Custom Seat Covers : While these covers are enhanced than the Universal variety, but they are also not favored as the level of customization is just about 80%. These covers also cannot accommodate the Safety aspect that all contemporary cars have in their seats.
By: WillSmidth
