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Mini goes vegan: Future models to drop leather interiors – report

Mini will stop offering leather interiors on its future models, according to an interview with design boss Oliver Heilmer.


Speaking to UK magazine Autocar, Mr Heilmer said Mini no longer believed leather fitted with the brand.

"We don’t need leather any more in the future, because we don’t believe it’s sustainable," he said.

In 2020, a little over half of all cars delivered to Mini buyers in the UK featured real leather interiors.

The news comes just days after the facelifted Mini hatch and convertible range were unveiled, suggesting the change will be introduced in the next-generation of Mini models.

While vinyl interiors began to be introduced to car interiors in the 1940s, it was two decades later when the durable leather-alternative started to gain in popularity, with Mercedes-Benz offering 'MB Tex' and BMW creating 'Leatherette'.

Nowadays, synthetic leather is far closer to the real thing. Most entry-level BMW models are now offered with 'Sensatec' synthetic leather and 'Alcantara' synthetic suede.

"We're totally convinced that we will have modern and high-value products without leather," Heilmer said on the move.

"The fabric in the production seats is now 100 per cent recycled. The lining underneath is 70 per cent 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."

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Ben Zachariah

Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades. Ben began writing professionally more than 15 years ago and was previously an interstate truck driver. He completed his MBA in Finance in early 2021 and is considered an expert on classic car investment.

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