Given the proliferation of the automotive industry, various developments are taking shape surrounding this sector. Consumers are opting for performance-efficient and comfortable automobiles that enhance their driving experience. On account of the growing emphasis given to aspects such as comfortable interiors, sturdy exteriors, effective lighting, and others, automakers are implementing a consumer-centric approach while engineering automobiles.



While doing this, automotive manufacturers are constantly centering their efforts to align with the emerging market trends and the specific needs of modern-day consumers. In terms of automotive interior leather, there is growing aversion to genuine leather witnessed across the globe, on account of the growing awareness towards the concern for environment and animals. This has given rise to the growing use of synthetic leather and the emergence of the ‘vegan’ leather trend, which is expected to greatly influence the overall automotive interior leather market.



Integrated Automotive Interior Leather to Reflect Future Capabilities



While the development attained on the technological front continues to grow, modern automotive manufacturers are embracing technology in nearly all automobile aspects, including interiors. The unique capabilities of technological solutions enable consumers to ‘do more’ with their automotive interiors. Smart leather is one such development that paints the picture of a promising future for the automotive interior leather market players.



Honda Japan, a recognized automaker recently filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for smart functional leather which would contain electronic circuit layers that can be used for various functions. The patent sketches a number of methods for producing smart leather.



Artificial Leather Production Rising on the Backdrop of Consumption Growth



With the increasing emphasis given to environmental sustainability and animal welfare, the consumption of synthetic and artificial leather in making automotive interiors has grown predominantly. Owing to the growing consumption, notable developments centering the production of artificial leather that finds its application in automotive interiors are witnessed.



Continental, German technology firm recently begun the construction of a manufacturing facility in Pune, India. This facility is responsible for producing premium surface materials for the automotive industry. The premium surface materials include the acella eco artificial leather which is to be developed for the local market.



‘Vegan’ Leather: Automakers New Favorite



Along with the utilization of synthetic and artificial leather in place of genuine leather, vegan leather is also finding majority application. Automakers are incorporating vegan leather in automotive interiors to align with the changing market requirements and to further contribute to their sustainability efforts. The vegan leather trend is, therefore, likely to govern the future of the automotive interior leather market.



A number of new automotive interior leather offerings are vegan and are made of organic products. Vegan leather is likely to gain major applicability as prominent automakers are deploying these in new vehicle models. Volkswagen, for instance, featured a vegan seating in its new electric car model which is made of vegan leather made of apple juice waste—AppleSkin.