America, it's time to think beyond leather for luxury car seats

Rekha Meena, head of colors, materials, and finishes at Volvo Cars, says good design, quality, and sustainability are inherently connected. “Recycled and renewable materials aren’t just an option for us, they’re essential to shape a better future,” she adds, and the company aims to blend those elements to create luxury and timelessness that stands the test of time.

Textiles have a long tradition in Scandinavian design, where “luxury is about simplicity, honesty, and attention to detail.” When developed with care, textile upholstery can feel refined, modern, and long-lasting, offering softness and depth that help interiors feel calm, thoughtful, and welcoming.

Meena does not view textiles as replacements for leather or vinyl; each material has its own strengths and customer choice remains paramount. What textiles offer, however, is distinct: greater variation, a richer sensory experience, and a more human, approachable character, with the decision to move away from leather left to the design team and the experience it seeks to create.

United States

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