The art of designing becomes a science

SAE 100 Future look: During the past 10 to 15 years, automotive interiors have changed dramatically. The world's top automakers and suppliers have achieved an impressive makeover of the occupant space, as they've delivered major enhancements in every area, including performance, functionality, safety, quality, craftsmanship, materials, aesthetics, ergonomics, comfort, acoustics, versatility-and more.

These changes have been market-driven. Vehicle interiors have become far more important than previously was the case to the people who buy new cars and trucks, and to those who build them. A succession of industry studies has demonstrated that consumers increasingly are influenced by vehicle interiors when they're considering which car or truck to buy.

The growing market impact of automotive interiors is not surprising, given the fact that people spend more time than ever before in their vehicles. Commuting times and distances have increased with the ongoing expansion of suburbia, and cars and trucks are overwhelmingly the favored mode of transportation for vacation and leisure-time activities. For many consumers, the vehicle interior is becoming an extension of the home or the office.