Why doesn’t Dacia use Leather or Chrome on its cars?
AD and C, two white letters connected to each other, forming a link in the middle of a black grid. Dacia’s new “Dacia Link” emblem, visible on the grille of its models, perfectly symbolizes the orientations of the brand in terms of the choice of colors and materials. Strong choices, made to match more and more the “philosophical guidelines” of the brand: the important, simplicity but also the spirit of adventure. How does this translate concretely to the current models in the range? What does this mean for the cars of the future? Hélène, Head Designer Colors and Materials of Daciaexplains to us the essence of these choices and shows us the exclusivity of some new things to come… in the matter.
Dacia cars inspire the spirit of adventure, family travel in the open air, freedom, fun. Why? Because their design expresses stability, simplicity, durability, livability, thanks especially to strong choices in terms of materials and colors, most of which are directly inspired by nature.
“As a fisherman, I am close to nature. What I want to bring to my work is consistency in my personal life”
Hélène, Head of Dacia Colors and Materials
Always looking for something important
Listening to the important needs of its customers, Dacia seeks to approach the car in a different way, favoring rational consumption. Demonstrating such pragmatism requires making strong choices, especially in terms of design. In this area, the “Colors and Materials” department of the brand is at the forefront. His manager, Hélène, confessed: “It is important for Dacia to work in the most authentic way possible. The client must realize that there is a search for simplicity and importance in our work. Banning stylish tricks and finding new materials that are more respectful in the environment is a pure, almost primal approach to creation. »
For this, Dacia dared. Unveiled last June, the new color Lichen Khaki, a shade of green reminiscent of moss and soil, is the first so-called opaque shade to appear in the range. It not only emphasizes the closeness of Dacia to nature and its elements, but it has two important characteristics for the brand: it is without mica (metallic flakes) therefore a simpler color formulation and thanks to the “non- its metallic », no shiny spangles, less visible dirt from use. “The absence of metal in opaque paints gives a very strong side” Judge Hélène refers to that “It suits Dacia’s great style”. This type of shade will also quickly expand the range of colors available.
Total abandonment of chrome and leather: two strong and assumed options
These are the two materials that have been and remain, for many, the symbol of the automobile. But chrome and animal-based leather are a thing of the past for Dacia, where it’s time for a change of times, replacing them in a smart way. The choice of substitute materials was guided by the search for better durability and more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. “We tried to use materials with the lowest carbon footprint possible, in terms of manufacturing and lifespan” said Helen.
So, in addition to fabrics, the interior of future Dacia models will receive a synthetic leather called TEP (plastic coated fabric). This material, which is pleasant to the touch, easy to maintain and very resistant, is perfectly suited to the spirit of Dacia models dedicated to family and outdoor adventure. Hélène is convinced of this: ” Dacia customers include people close to nature who need to use their car without too much care.. TEP brings durability of perfect use for them. »
For its part, chrome is missing on the exterior and interior of Dacia models. Skin elements will now be painted steel gray. This treatment has an advantage for customers as well as for the planet: the paint is more environmentally friendly because it emits less CO.2 than chrome plating, it is more scratch resistant and has better durability. And while most automotive logos are chrome, Dacia’s new “Dacia Link” emblem is painted white. “We tried to have a very visible logo” explained Helen. “For this, white is perfect because it is a color that contrasts with the black of the new grille of Dacia cars. »
Soft fabric for added durability
Always with the goal of greater durability, new flexible textile materials will appear inside, for example to replace the current plastic veneers on the dashboard. This option offers many advantages including better sound absorption and a soft touch to these normally hard parts. Furthermore, the fabric does not scratch and does not squeak, unlike rigid pieces. Hélène sees only positive points for the client: “Soft materials like these fabrics offer a more comfortable environment, a warmer interior. »
All these choices regarding the colors and materials of Dacia vehicles are part of a permanent search for the essential. As Hélène says, “when there is consistency between the interior, the exterior and the colors and materials of a vehicle, I think we have met the challenge.”
The authenticity of Dacia’s design and its choice of colors and materials benefit customers and the environment. Good design that Hélène would be proud of.
