An occasional analysis and review of events and developments in the automotive interiors sector
Plush interiors migrating down the ranges
In similar manner to the migration down the model ranges of materials and systems – such as leather seats, air conditioning and advanced safety features – which have been fitted more usually on upmarket models, the specification of plush interiors is becoming increasingly apparent within volume car ranges.
This trend is clearly evident in Ford’s latest Fiesta whose interior is markedly smarter and more lavish than the previous model and contains a variety of features more normally associated with luxury vehicles. These include a distinctive centre console, highly specified entertainment system, mobile phone charging facility and Ford’s ‘Human Machine Interface’ which is also equipped to the S-Max and Galaxy. There are six trim levels with top-of-the-range variants having two-tone upholstery with leather as an option.
Another, albeit very different, example is seen in the Abarth version of the Fiat 500. The interior contains a variety of race-inspired details – such as aluminium pedals, flat bottomed steering wheel and turbo gauges – more reminiscent of a Ferrari or Lamborghini than a performance version of a volume car.
Inevitably, this development will result in higher and higher expectations among car buyers in this increasingly important car segment and place pressure on other vehicle manufacturers whose offerings fall behind in the specification of advanced interiors.
Platform – but not interior – sharing
The announcement during the first half of July that BMW and Fiat have signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ to examine cooperation in the small car sector follows a well established pattern within the global motor industry. Fiat of course already has a joint venture with Ford, based in Poland, which is producing the Italian group’s much acclaimed 500 model and will shortly produce Ford’s all-new Ka. Elsewhere throughout the industry there are a variety of joint ventures as vehicle producers have searched for lower unit costs in manufactuirng in order to remain internationally competitive.
Under this latest agreement, BMW and Fiat are to explore the opportunities for sharing components and systems for the MINI and Alfa Romeo brands, with the expectation that firm proposals will be produced by the end of 2008.
Both companies have indicated that they will not disclose at this stage the details of possible cooperation, but it is unlikely that interiors will be seriously involved. Vehicle manufacturers are looking to share the design, development and production costs of ‘hidden’ items like platforms and power trains. Interiors are seen as providing a crucial element of differentiation and will be expected to define the individuality, ethos and values of marques.
Environmental considerations will trigger new materials
As environmental concerns move ever closer centre stage in the motor industry’s consciousness, the application of new thoughts, materials and technologies will have a growing impact on vehicle interiors. Lotus has provided an interesting view of the future with the development of an Eco Elise which was unveiled as a concept car at the recent British Motor Show in London.
With regard to the interior, hemp fibres (based on renewable and locally farmed hemp to reduce carbon miles) have been used for the manufacture of lightweight seats. These are upholstered in a biodegradable woollen fabric which does not contain dyes and involves no harmful production processes. Instead, the colour of the upholstery is determined by the sheep breeds. Another renewable crop – sisal – has been used to produce the carpets due to its tough, abrasion resistant qualities.
The intention is to gauge public reaction to these new concepts before deciding on the next step and a possible incorporation of some of the ideas in series production.
