Leather from industrial hemp: innovative and sustainable material for future car interiors

Industry News

Volkswagen brand cooperates with Revoltech GmbH start-up Aim: to develop an innovative and sustainable surface material for the automotive sector 100-per-cent bio-based leather alternative made from industrial hemp could initially be used in car interiors from 2028 Wolfsburg/Darmstadt – Volkswagen has entered into a cooperation with the German start-up Revoltech GmbH from Darmstadt. The aim is to research and develop sustainable materials based on industrial hemp. These could be used as a sustainable surface material in Volkswagen models from 2028. The material made from 100-per-cent bio-based hemp uses residues of the regional hemp industry. It can be produced on existing industrial plants and recycled or composted at the end of its service life in an automobile. The first presentations of the innovative material have already received a very positive response and feedback from customers. Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development: “In our search for new materials, we are very open to new ideas from many different industries. At Technical Development, we place a strong focus on innovative, creative and sustainable solutions for holistic, resource-saving vehicle development.” Andreas Walingen, Head of Strategy at the Volkswagen brand: “The sustainable use of resources is a key pillar in our ACCELERATE strategy and is therefore firmly anchored in our mindset and our actions. Our clear goal is to fuse customer wishes, sustainability requirements and corporate interests.” He added that the cooperation between Revoltech and Volkswagen was a good example of the benefits for start-ups and established companies to be gained from the targeted combination of their respective strengths – with the goal of getting new features ready for use in automobiles as swiftly as possible. Lucas Fuhrmann, CEO and co-founder Revoltech GmbH:“Our innovative LOVR™ surface material, that we are developing and testing for the automotive industry in cooperation with Volkswagen, is scalable and groundbreaking for sustainability in the automotive sector.” 100% bio-based leather alternative from industrial hempTogether with the Revoltech GmbH start-up, the predevelopment team at the Volkswagen brand is working on a material innovation as a substitute for imitation leather. This material made from what is known as industrial hemp cultivated for the food industry is an all-natural, 100-per-cent biological single-layer surface material called LOVR™ (the letters stand for leather-free, oil-free, vegan and residue-based) that is being developed specifically with the automotive industry in mind. The hemp fibres and a fully bio-based adhesive are combined using a special technology and processed to become a surface material. This truly circular material is sourced from regional hemp fields and is fully recyclable or compostable once it has reached the end of its service life. It is produced from residues of the hemp industry that have no further use. In addition, it can be manufactured on existing industrial plants, thus enabling swift scalability – and is therefore also suitable for use in large-scale production. Volkswagen’s Materials Technology, Design, and Components Development departments, Volkswagen Group Innovation and the Revoltech GmbH start-up are bundling their know-how to include as many perspectives as possible in the development work. Potential applications are being identified in collaboration with Components Development. Possible use in vehicle projects from 2028 is envisaged. The material has received very positive feedback in customer surveys. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand has a global presence and produces vehicles at 29 locations in 12 countries. In 2023, Volkswagen delivered about 4.9 million cars. These include bestsellers such as the Polo, T- Roc, T-Cross, Golf, Tiguan and Passat as well as the successful all-electric models of the ID. family. Last year, the company handed over about 394,000 all-electric vehicles to customers worldwide. About 170,000 people currently work at Volkswagen around the world. With its ACCELERATE strategy, the company is consistently driving forward its development into the most desirable brand for sustainable mobility. Media contactVolkswagen Communications Ruth HollingSpokesperson Strategy and SustainabilityTel: +49-151-40270768ruth.holling@volkswagen.de Volkswagen Communications Elena StormHead of Corporate Communications Tel: +49-1530-1491259elena.storm@volkswagen.de Linkedin, Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Web, TiktokMore at volkswagen-newsroom.com

MINI at Goodwood Revival 2024

Industry News

Laundrette theme celebrates 65th anniversary of the brand All-new fully electric MINI Aceman on display in Earls Court Motor Show Washing machine windows to celebrate circular OLED infotainment screen Goodwood Revival to take place across 6th – 8th September 2024. MINI UK will celebrate its 65th anniversary at the Goodwood Revival 2024, with a brand space dedicated to the swinging sixties and all-new MINI Aceman. Announced earlier this year, the fully electric MINI Aceman sits between the MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman in the new family, fusing bold design with crossover proportions, adding style and versatility to every day. With a compact silhouette, streamlined interior and a state-of-the-art circular OLED display, the MINI Aceman offers a single range charge of up to 252 miles* and will launch on UK roads later this year. The MINI Aceman can be found at ‘Issi’s Laundrette’ – a sixties inspired space celebrating both the heritage and future of MINI. Located in Earls Court Motor Show, guests will have the opportunity to experience the now iconic circular OLED infotainment display in the guise of interactive washing machine windows, and visit the ‘Bubble Shop’ to purchase a range of sweets and sparkling beverages, with 50% from every purchase going to charity partner CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). For those wishing to take home a memento from the day, the ‘Edge Press’ ironing station will offer visitors MINI themed iron-on transfers, while the ‘Spin and Win’ washing machines will be surprising lucky guests with a range of MINI goodies and prizes. ‘Issi’s Laundrette’ will additionally feature hanging washing in the form of the new knitted material which replaced leather inside the new MINI family. The 2024 Goodwood Revival takes place on 6 – 8th September 2024. Please click here for more information on the new MINI Aceman.

Yiannimize unveils head-turning wallpaper-wrapped Koenigsegg Agera N in collaboration with SuperVettura and Divine Savages

Industry News

Custom wrapped Koenigsegg Agera N worth over £2.5 million created in collaboration with Yiannimize and Divine Savages Commissioned by SuperVettura, official UK Koenigsegg dealer and interior design company Always Sunday Officially unveiled at Urban Automotive’s Milton Keynes headquarters One-off hypercar made its public debut at Salon Privé, Blenheim Palace this week A stunning one-of-a-kind Koenigsegg Agera N from 2011 has just been unveiled at Urban Automotive’s headquarters in Milton Keynes, the result of an exclusive design collaboration between luxury wallpaper brand Divine Savages and renowned car customiser Yiannimize. Commissioned by official UK Koenigsegg dealer SuperVettura and interior design company Always Sunday, the bespoke hypercar turned heads with its bold new look as it made its public debut at the prestigious Salon Privé this week. The Koenigsegg Agera N — already one of the world’s rarest and most highly sought-after hypercars — has been transformed by the custom white and blue floral wrap inspired by Divine Savages’ signature wallpaper collection. Known for their eclectic, bold patterns in luxury wallpapers and fabrics, Divine Savages (@divinesavages) fuse modern and classic aesthetics, adding an unexpected artistic flair to this automotive project. The car’s bespoke finish was expertly applied by leading car wrapping expert Yiannimize (@Yiannimize), whose team meticulously added the stunning exterior wrap at its specialised installation bay, located within Urban Automotive’s headquarters in Milton Keynes. The wrap complements the Koenigsegg’s aggressive lines with a design that seamlessly marries art and engineering. Lexi Wareham-Dart, owner of interiors design company Always Sunday and Koenigsegg collector commented; “Koenigsegg cars are masterpieces of engineering and design, and when we had the opportunity to combine this with the creative forces behind the wallpaper design duo Divine Savages it was not only marrying two of my favourite things, but it was a fresh, unique look for a car that has created many memories for both Tommy and me with SuperVettura.” Yianni Charalambous, Founder of Yiannimize, said; “At Yiannimize we’ve wrapped some very special and individual cars over the years but this Koenigsegg for SuperVettura is certainly up there as one of the most complex and head-turning jobs we’ve completed. The wallpaper design is intricate and was a real challenge to perfect, but I’m so pleased with the way it has turned out – it’s a showstopper for sure!” The entire process was documented in a behind-the-scenes YouTube video that premiered on Yiannimize’s channel this Thursday, offering viewers an exclusive look at the transformation, estimated to be worth over £2.5 million. Following its online debut, the car made its first public appearance this week from the 28-31 August at the prestigious Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace, one of the world’s most exclusive automotive events, where it has garnered the attention of car collectors and enthusiasts alike. Contact InformationFor media inquiries, please contact:Heather Webb | Loop Agencyheather.webb@loopagency.co.uk – 07513 121613 John Rawlings | Loop Agencyjohn.rawlings@loopagency.co.uk – 07925 635624

Urban Automotive pays tribute to iconic 2018 Range Rover Sport with a bespoke L461 Widetrack Edition

Industry News

Urban Automotive pays homage to iconic 2018 Urban-modified Range Rover Sport with new ‘Widetrack’ signature build Follows the unveiling of new Range Rover Sport carbon fibre styling programme New programme includes two unique configurations available – Widetrack and Narrowbody Both packages feature extensive visual carbon fibre, bespoke design elements, and premium wheels The Range Rover Sport styling programme is available to order, with conversions starting from £25,000 Urban Automotive has expanded its exclusive signature series, launching a striking tribute to one of its most iconic builds—the 2018 ‘V2’ Urban-modified Range Rover Sport. This special edition, a modern reimagining of the L494 SVR, has been crafted in the form of a bespoke, one-off Widetrack version of the latest L461 Range Rover Sport—paying homage to the vehicle that helped establish Urban as the leading expert in Range Rover customisation. This latest signature build follows the official debut of Urban Automotive’s transformational styling programme for the new Range Rover Sport, unveiled at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. For the first time, Urban Automotive offers the Range Rover Sport package in two unique configurations to cater for individual preferences: the Urban ‘Widetrack’ and ‘Narrowbody’ range. Both packages comprehensively remodel the Range Rover Sport with premium visual carbon fibre, delivering an aggressive yet refined appearance. The All-New Range Rover Sport styling programme is available to order now with enquiries submitted through the Urban Automotive website and with prices starting from £25,000. Revisiting an Icon: The 2018 ‘V2’ Range Rover SportThe original 2018 Range Rover Sport L494 SVR model, delivered in the instantly recognisable Estoril Blue paint and Ebony/Cirrus interior, became a defining project for Urban Automotive. As part of the vehicle’s promotional debut, it was showcased with gold Urban Vossen UV-1 wheels for a special photoshoot, capturing the attention of automotive enthusiasts worldwide. This helped build Urban’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of Range Rover modifications. Now, Urban has reimagined this legacy by creating a one-off Widetrack edition of the latest L461 Range Rover Sport, fully custom-painted in Estoril Blue—a colour no longer offered by the factory. To further honour the original, this special edition features a bespoke Cirrus quilted interior with updated Urban branding. Completing the tribute, Urban has added satin gold UV-1R wheels, created in collaboration with Vossen and handmade in Miami—a modern twist on the iconic UV-1 wheels from the 2018 build, merging past and present designs. Widetrack Styling ProgrammeThe tribute vehicle is based on Urban’s ultimate Widetrack styling programme which is one of their most striking designs to date incorporating wide arches, a distinctive carbon fibre bonnet and front upper ‘matrix’ grille in visual carbon fibre with Urban icon branding. The bold front design is balanced with an equally assertive rear, which includes an upper rear spoiler, a carbon fibre bumper, rear diffuser with removable skid pan in visual carbon fibre and milled billet aluminium exhaust finishers with engraved Urban logo. Hand-built in the UK and designed to conform with OEM quality standards, the visual carbon fibre elements, including the lower door sills and three-piece front bumper splitters, are seamlessly integrated with the original design. Narrowbody Styling ProgrammeIn contrast to the Widetrack styling programme, the Narrowbody design caters to clients seeking a more understated, OEM+ look, featuring full replacement carbon fibre bumpers at the front and rear, along with carbon fibre side skirts. A visual carbon fibre splitter and integrated DRL enhance the car’s front styling while the rear is equipped with a visual carbon fibre upper rear spoiler, a rear diffuser and billet exhaust finishers. Both styling programmes offer 23″ or 24″ cast or forged alloy wheel packages and an optional Milltek Sport performance exhaust. Designed and manufactured in the UK​​All Urban Automotive products are designed and manufactured by its in-house team, led by founder Simon Dearn. The Range Rover Sport styling package follows Urban’s ‘OEM+’ philosophy, enhancing the vehicle’s original design with added individuality and road presence. Each product undergoes a rigorous research and development process, ensuring seamless integration with factory safety systems and warning devices. Urban Automotive Range Rover Sport Styling Programme: Specification​ Widetrack Exterior Styling​ Restyled replacement carbon fibre front bumper Visual carbon fibre front bumper mouthpiece Mouthpiece trim overlay in visual carbon fibre Integrated daytime running lights with OEM fog lamp carry over Three-piece front bumper splitter in visual carbon fibre Restyled replacement carbon fibre rear bumper Rear diffuser with removable skid pan in visual carbon fibre Carbon fibre bonnet Milled billet aluminium exhaust finishers with engraved Urban logo Front upper ‘matrix’ grille in visual carbon fibre with Urban icon branding Widetrack arch package Lower door sills in visual carbon fibre (options for SWB and LWB) Upper rear spoiler Carbon fibre wing mirror covers Urban icon rear tailgate badge Urban bonnet and tailgate lettering ​Narrowbody Exterior Styling Replacement carbon fibre front bumper with visual carbon fibre splitter and integrated DRL Replacement carbon fibre rear bumper with visual carbon fibre rear diffuser and billet exhaust finishers Visual carbon fibre side sills Upper rear spoiler visual carbon fibre side vent Wheels​ & Tyres 23″ or 24″ Forged alloy wheel package​ Optional extras​ Milltek Sport performance exhaust ​ About Urban Automotive​Urban Automotive, the UK’s foremost luxury vehicle styling provider, was established in 2014 as an independent vehicle modifier, with the aim of providing ‘OEM Plus’ design, and a bespoke vehicle modification service.​ With headquarters and vehicle production based in Milton Keynes, Urban Automotive is a carbon fibre specialist and has become one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of carbon fibre styling kits for an expanding range of premium and luxury models.​ Media contactsHeather Webb | Loop Agencyheather.webb@loopagency.co.uk – 07513 121613 John Rawlings | Loop Agencyjohn.rawlings@loopagency.co.uk – 07925 635624

From virtual to reality, gamers believe they’re better drivers

Industry News

Nearly half (48%) of Brits who play racing video games believe that their time behind the virtual wheel makes them better drivers than non-gamers 65% of these gamers see racing video games as similar to real-life driving Could these perceived similarities be the source of their confidence on the road? Leatherhead, August 30th 2024 – For racing game enthusiasts, gaming isn’t just a virtual escape – it’s an opportunity to sharpen skills and build confidence that they believe translates to the real road. Almost half (48%) of those who play racing video games believe they’re better drivers than those who don’t, with only 13% of gamers disagreeing. But why do these gamers feel so confident and are those hours spent in front of screens worth it? Well, according to the gamers themselves, the answer is yes. Progressively immersive racing simulators and cutting-edge developments in car design means that the lines between racing games and reality are increasingly blurred. In fact, 4 in 10 believe gaming improves their real-life driving. The poll of 1,000 drivers who play racing video games, conducted by Hyundai revealed more than half (52%) report improved reaction time and safety, while overall awareness for the road (42%) and ability to see potential hazards (39%) are also improved by playing racing games. It’s these skills that are developed through gaming that have tangible effects, with half (50%) of those who played racing games as children believing it helped them pass their driving test faster, and over 52% confirming they passed on their first attempt. To further this, nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents view racing video games as similar to real-life driving. Many find similarities in aspects like steering (63%), control & cornering (49%) and gear shifts (47%). Just a quarter (26%) think the sound in racing games matches real-life driving. Yet, sound remains a critical element for over three-quarters (78%) of gamers, and almost a third (30%) consider it the most important aspect of the driving experience. This is precisely where Hyundai’s N Active Sound + in the innovative IONIQ 5 N comes into play. This feature offers three realistic, dynamic sounds, one of which comes from the gaming world, having originally been created for Hyundai’s N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept car. Features like this, and the N Grin Shift ensures that EVs are as immersive and responsive as the cars that came before. “With one-third of players acknowledging that racing games have influenced their choice of car model, it’s evident that both fun and functionality need to be at the forefront of design. The technology in the IONIQ 5 N is essential for creating an exhilarating driving experience, addressing what many have felt was previously missing from EVs,” says Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK. Hyundai’s research also revealed that over three-quarters (77%) of people say they experience more excitement from virtual racing than from real-life driving, Hyundai Motor UK is introducing a new era of driving, ensuring that the thrill gamers enjoy remains a key feature in the future of electric vehicles, showcased in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N.