BMW-owned Mini’s are undergoing a mini change. The brand has decided to lose leather interiors for its next-gen cars. The British brand has planned a range of sustainability changes, and putting an end to leather usage is one of them. Design boss Oliver Heilmer has taken a call to ditch the leather trims as the lack of leather is a chief concern in making Minis as sustainable as possible. Heilmer told Autocar: “The fabric in the production seats is now 100% recycled. The lining underneath is 70% recycled. We’re looking to create a timeless design. A one-season design, like fashion, isn’t our aim with the design of future Minis. These changes come as part of Mini’s new brand strategy involving values like responsibility, curiosity, heartbeat, and daredevil. Mini is incorporating recycled material in its vehicles. Henceforth, the car seats will be covered in fabric made entirely of recycled materials, not just that even the seat cushions are 70% recycled. As determined as Mini is to leave the smallest footprint for each product, they are also not going to compromise on the luxurious vibe of their car. Even with these inventive measures in place, the Mini will continue to be a fun, luxe, and aesthetic beauty coming more from a home perspective rather than an automotive one.
Last year, 54% of new Minis ordered in the UK featured real leather but all that’s about to change, “We don’t need leather any more in the future, because we don’t believe it’s sustainable. We’re totally convinced that we will have modern and high-value products without leather,” said Heilmer.
[Via: CNET]
