Car interiors have changed dramatically over the past 120 years of automotive history, reflecting the continual evolution of technology, design, and consumer preferences over the past century. In this blog post, we will explore some of the trends and innovations that have shaped the interiors of our vehicles, from the simple and functional to the luxurious and futuristic.
The rise of the automobile
The earliest mass-produced had very basic interiors, with a wooden dashboard, a steering wheel, three pedals, and a handbrake. The seats were made of leather or cloth, and there was no heater, air conditioning or radio. In short, cars were designed to be affordable and reliable, rather than comfortable or stylish. However, rapidly changing tastes ensured that car interiors didn’t stay bare and utilitarian for long.
The roaring twenties
In the 1920s and 1930s, car interiors became more refined and elegant, undoubtedly influenced by the Art Deco movement. Models like the Cadillac set the tone with their long, sleek bodies, chrome accents, wood trim, and luxurious leather upholstery. Just think of any car in a black-and-white movie of the period and you’ll get the idea!
Vehicles were also increasingly well-equipped, featuring dashboards with more instruments and controls, such as a speedometer, an oil pressure gauge, and a clock. Some even came with radios, heaters, and windshield wipers. Vehicles were less and less about getting from A to B and more about signalling your status. And crucially, cars were becoming more enjoyable to spend time in.
The rise of consumerism
The 1940s and 1950s saw demographic and economic shifts that would change the face of the automotive industry. In particular, the unprecedented growth of the American economy after World War II created a new breed of consumer. Flush with cash and eager to show it, the post-war generation demanded three things in their products: bigger, better and more comfortable.
In the automotive market, this was reflected in cars that were roomier and more luxurious. They now had features such as electric windows, power steering, air conditioning, and three-point seatbelts. Dashboards also became more colourful and complex, with dials, switches, and lights. Some popular styles of this era were the hardtop, the convertible and cars with tailfins.
If the era could be summed up in one phrase, it would be ‘the consumer is king’. Choice proliferated, leading to increased competition between brands for consumers’ hard-earned cash. This was particularly evident in car interiors – resulting in an ongoing game of one-upmanship in terms of quality and comfort that would continue to be a theme in the decades that followed.
The counterculture generation
The 1960s and 1970s were marked by seismic social and cultural changes, such as the hippie movement, the space race, and the oil crisis. Car interiors in the 60s reflected this innovative spirit, with brighter colours and bolder patterns. In the 70s, meanwhile, velour was seen as the height of luxury. This velvety material may have been difficult to care for, but some drivers loved it!
At the same time, a combination of worsening economic conditions favoured the rise of the small car, with these diminutive models appealing to increasingly price-conscious consumers. This necessitated the development of more cost-effective ways of producing interiors, with the use of more synthetic materials such as vinyl increasing. But interior quality was soon to improve further.
Globalisation
The technological developments of the 1980s and 1990s, fuelled by the rise of globalisation, had a major impact on automotive design. Car interiors became increasingly advanced, with a range of modern features like digital displays, CD players and GPS navigation systems. This period also saw the launch and unstoppable rise of the SUV, a trend that has continued well into the 2020s.
As luxury vehicles became more accessible, consumers began to have higher expectations around the quality of interiors. To meet these demands, carmakers launched a concerted drive to improve all areas of the interior experience, while complying with increasingly strict environmental regulations. When it comes to appealing to the modern consumer, designers have learnt to appeal to all the senses.
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Optimising the in-cabin experience
According to consultants McKinsey, the automotive interior is swiftly becoming a key consideration for consumers, replacing more traditional factors such as engine size, driveability and exterior design. This means carmakers increasingly need to find ways to make seats and other components look and feel better. Stahl’s speciality coating technologies can help.
One example is Stahl Stay Clean®, our advanced protective coating for leather and synthetic materials. Its polymer technology creates a barrier that repels water- and oil-based substances, preventing them from penetrating or adhering to the material. This protects against stains from a range of common sources, such as the dye from jeans, spilt coffee, and dirt. It also offers a high level of UV protection.
In addition, it enhances the abrasion resistance of the substrate – preventing everyday scratches and scuffs and helping ensure that interior surfaces will keep their stay-clean properties for longer. This broad-spectrum protection helps to give interiors a crisp and vibrant look that will last for years, which is especially important given the growing trend for white and pale-coloured interiors.
The future of interiors?
Over the years, car interiors have evolved to reflect changing tastes and socio-economic conditions. But one trend that has remained constant is the transformation of the auto cabin from a purely functional space to one where you can relax, switch off and enjoy the ride.
So, as the automotive industry continues to develop, we can be sure that interiors will look and feel better than ever.