Volkswagen has announced a new partnership with Revoltech GmbH, a German start-up based in Darmstadt, with the aim of creating innovative and sustainable materials for
We recently welcomed our 2007 Caterham Seven Roadsport 120 into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Soon after it arrived, Jonn got to work inspecting it
Volkswagen has announced a new partnership with Revoltech GmbH, a German start-up based in Darmstadt, with the aim of creating innovative and sustainable materials for the automotive industry. This collaboration is focused on developing a 100-percent bio-based leather alternative derived from industrial hemp, which could begin to appear in Volkswagen car interiors as early as 2028.
“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.”
Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development
A Breakthrough in Sustainable Automotive Materials
The core of this partnership is the creation of a new material called LOVR™, which stands for leather-free, oil-free, vegan, and residue-based. This material is produced entirely from industrial hemp, a plant primarily cultivated for the food industry. The process involves using hemp fibres combined with a fully bio-based adhesive, forming a natural, single-layer surface material that is both recyclable and compostable. Notably, LOVR™ can be manufactured using existing industrial equipment, making it feasible for large-scale production.
“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.”
Andreas Walingen, Head of Strategy at the Volkswagen brand
The hemp used in LOVR™ is sourced from regional fields, and the material itself is created from residues of the hemp industry that would otherwise go to waste. This ensures that the product is not only sustainable but also contributes to a circular economy by being fully recyclable or compostable at the end of its lifecycle. Additionally, because the production process can utilise existing industrial plants, the material can be quickly scaled up for mass production, aligning with Volkswagen’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
“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.”
Lucas Fuhrmann, CEO and co-founder Revoltech GmbH
Positive Reception and Future Applications
Volkswagen’s Materials Technology, Design, and Components Development departments are working closely with Revoltech GmbH to explore the potential applications of this new material within the automotive sector. Customer feedback on the initial presentations of LOVR™ has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating strong support for sustainable alternatives in car interiors.
The collaboration also involves Volkswagen Group Innovation, ensuring that a broad range of expertise and perspectives contribute to the development process. The goal is to have this sustainable material ready for use in Volkswagen vehicles starting in 2028, marking a significant step towards more environmentally friendly automotive production.
The Aston Martin Vanquish in question – ‘Y834 MWL’, has a history as impressive as its design. Initially, one of seven Vanquishes held back by Aston Martin for press use, this car had already made a name for itself in various publications before it found its way to Pinewood Studios for a special photoshoot. There, it posed alongside Pierce Brosnan, the fifth actor to play James Bond, and the resulting images were used globally to promote Die Another Day.
Adding to its story, this Vanquish was the first car to drive down the newly opened M6 Toll road in 2003, and has a certificate and receipt to prove it!
With its Tungsten Silver paint, Charcoal leather interior, and aluminium centre console, the Vanquish mirrors the hero cars seen in the film. With just 37,800 miles on the clock and having been part of a respected collection for over 20 years, it’s a car that blends traditional craftsmanship with the cutting-edge technology of its time.
The V12-powered GT, capable of nearly 200 mph, was Aston Martin’s last hand-built grand tourer. Its connection to the James Bond franchise only enhances its appeal, especially since Die Another Day played a big role in re-establishing the relationship between EON Productions and Aston Martin, ensuring that Bond continues to drive the world’s most desirable cars.
“Our October auction offers a fantastic opportunity to own a slice of movie and motoring history with this stunning Aston Martin Vanquish.
Not only was it used at Pinewood Studios for photoshoots with Pierce Brosnan for ‘Die Another Day’ but it was also the first car to drive down the M6 Toll road to commemorate its opening.
Additionally, as well as the close connection to James Bond and Pierce Brosnan, who himself owned a 2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, the car is also a superb example of the marque’s last hand-built grand tourer.”
James McWilliam, sales manager at H&H Classics
Estimated sale price: between £50,000 and £70,000.
For more details on the James Bond Vanquish up for auction or the H&H Classics sale on October 9th, visit H&H Classics.
We recently welcomed our 2007 Caterham Seven Roadsport 120 into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Soon after it arrived, Jonn got to work inspecting it and rectifying some issues. He removed the headlights, removed the chrome rings and fit the right-hand headlights to the chrome rings.
He then swapped the bulbs over, refitted the lights and connected the bulbs before testing.
“We all have the duty to leave a better world for future generations” – Capt. Gianluigi Aponte – MSC Foundation Chair.
MSC Foundation works to restore the critical balance between people and nature within a generation. The foundation uses their global reach and unique knowledge of the sea to take immediate action that contributes to protecting and nurturing the blue planet and all of its people. The MSC Foundation is motivated by a deep sense of responsibility for the planet and its resources, particularly the oceans. The MSC Foundation takes action in harmony with the values of the MSC Group, leveraging its expertise and presence on the seas.
Embodying the Group’s commitment to protecting and nurturing our blue planet and assisting communities in need, they work with trusted partners to support programmes tailored for long-term impacts. With MSC’s global shipping heritage, the MSC Foundation is keenly aware of the increasing fragility of our planet’s interlinked ecosystems and committed to leaving a better world for future generations.
They support the most vulnerable communities around the world to realize their full potential through education, sustainable development and humanitarian medical programmes.
Environmental education, school education and vocational education, the MSC Foundation is committed to supporting all three, from the Ivory Coast to Italy. Because education lays the foundation for a brighter future for all of us and our planet.
They intervene promptly in disaster situations, even obtaining emergency supplies on their own initiative and shipping them by MSC Cargo to deliver the containers directly to the areas affected.
Environmental conservation, particularly of the marine environment, emergency relief, support for the most vulnerable communities and education are the four key areas of impact in which they are actively engaged every day. Together we can all make a difference!
Here is what Jonn has been up to with our 1963 Fiat 500:
Investigate clutch issue. Has been fine but clutch went over the weekend. Inspect. Found clutch cable adjuster out of adjustment. Re adjust cable and check. Fit lock nut to clutch cable. Remove cover and inspect while John operates. All looks OK now adjustment correct. Carry out test around yard and all seems fine. Refit cover. Quick spanner check on starter and gearbox bolts. Carry out another drive around yard. Ok. Let customer take and try.
Workshop Manager John has been fitting a Spiyda calibration unit to the tank gauge of our 1956 Jensen 541. This is to match the sender to the gauge.
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