Watch: What does the luxury car interior of the future look like?

Updated May 6, 2022 with on-demand video.

Consumer attitudes to luxury are changing. Concerns over the environment mean that established luxury materials are under scrutiny from a buying public that demand a high-end experience without compromise on sustainability.

OEMs are responding, experimenting with new materials that leave a reduced carbon footprint on the planet. But how much are consumers prepared to forgo for the sake of the environment? Is sustainable luxury achievable a contradiction in terms? Or is it possible to have the best of both worlds?

What role can design play in redefining luxury for a new type of consumer? And ultimately, what will the luxury car interior of tomorrow look like? Car Design News brings together an expert panel to explore all these questions and more by examining the current definitions of luxury, how consumer attitudes are changing and how design can lead the way to a better future.

Key points covered in this livestream:

• What characterises a luxury car interior?
• What role does luxury play in the race for climate change?
• Are premium brands ready to step away from traditional leather in search of more sustainable alternatives?
• What key trends will influence the future of car interiors?
• Is there a sustainable material available today that can deliver on both sustainability and premium look and feel?

Featured Speakers

Sara Campagnolo, Head of Color and Material Design, Automobili Pininfarina

With extensive design experience – from fashion to automotive – Sara is passionate about materials, the aesthetics of them and the technology behind them. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the Automobili Pininfarina family, with experience in advanced material research and development – focusing on innovative, sustainable, hybrid materials for the luxury segment. At every stage of the Battista’s production, Sara works closely with clients in designing their electric dream hyper GT.

Carsten Monnerjan, Head of Design, Italdesign

With a Bachelor of Science and Transportation from the ArtCenter College of Design in Vevey, Switzerland, Monnerjan started his Design career in 1993 as Exterior Designer at the Audi Konzept Design Studio Munich. In 1995, he moved to Spain to the VW Group brands’ satellite studio, Design Center Europe in Sitges, working on production projects and concepts for the brands of the Group. Five years later, he started at Seat Martorell to take on the responsibility of Interior Design, supervising production models and concept cars. Back to Audi again in 2003, he was leading the Interior Design Department at Audi AG in Ingolstadt, where he was responsible for both production and concept interiors, creating the new Audi Design Language. In 2008, he was appointed Head of Concept Design of the Audi Konzept Design Studio Munich, where he was working with his team on Transportation and Product design, on Future Mobility concepts and on the definition of several show cars. Joining Italdesign in 2012, in October 2019 Carsten Monnerjan has been assigned to take the Management lead of the company’s Design Center.

Conny Blommé, Interior Design Manager, Polestar

Conny is the Interior Design Manager at Polestar. He joined the team in 2021 after having been Senior Interior Design Manager at Volvo Cars. Conny has 20 years of automotive experience and was amongst other things responsible for the Volvo XC40 interior and the Volvo 360C concept interiors. Conny holds a Masters in Transportation Design from Umeå Institute of Design, and previous to that a Bachelor diploma in Technical illustration and a HND in Industrial and Product Design at Bournemouth & Poole Collage of Art and Design.

Nico den Ouden, Chief Commercial Officer, ELeather

Since 2010, Nico has led the introduction and growth of ELeather, offering luxury for the climate conscious. Having achieved a market leading position in aviation and ground transport, Nico has recently spearheaded the introduction of ELeather in the automotive market.Prior to joining ELeather, Nico held numerous international senior sales, marketing and business development positions with Henkel, Croda Oleochemicals and Acheson Colloids, part of the ICI Group. He holds a strong track record of business growth, new market development and successful innovative technology introductions. Nico has over 30 years of experience in the automotive sector, in a wide variety of applications including drive train components (ICE as well as EV), car body parts and interior parts.

Matthias Junghanns, Head Of BMW i Interior Design, BMW

BMWi, Head of BMWi Interior Design. BMWi Vision Circular, BMW iX, BMW Vision iNext, BMW Vision M Next, BMW Concept i4, BMW i3 Urban Suite. 2014-2017: BMW AG, Design Manager X5/6/7 2013-2014: BMW Advanced Design, Design Manager 3 Series, 8 Series, X5/6/7 2008-2013: Rolls Royce Motorcars, Lead Interior Designer. RR Wraith, RR Dawn 2004-2008: BMW DesignworksUSA, Senior Designer 2000-2002: SJDC Design Consulting, Founder Education: M.A.Automotive Design. Diplom Designer Product Design.

Moderator

James McLachlan, Editor, Car Design News

James McLachlan is editor of Car Design News, Interior Motives and Car Design Review writing, commissioning and editing the editorial output across digital and print. A design journalist for 14 years, James is interested in the intersection between car design, urban planning, technology and culture.