10.04.2025
In our short series "Three questions for...", we interview selected personalities on various topics. Among other things, the questions address topics that are discussed by the interviewees in the form of keynote speeches or other activities at Bayern Innovativ events.
Today our short interview is with Thomas Gerstl, specialist in concept development: sustainable interior, BMW AG
Thomas Gerstl is one of the speakers at our conference "Interieur im Automobil x InSuM" from 13 - 14.05.2025 in Ingolstadt.
Thomas, what inspired you personally to focus on your presentation topic in the field of automotive interiors?
Thomas Gerstl: The effects of climate change are being felt all over the world. With my background as an expert in vehicle interior development, I wanted to make a contribution to limiting CO2 emissions and increasing recyclability. Renewable materials can make a contribution to this. However, the industrialization of materials is very complex and may only succeed in part through cross-industry cooperation. With this presentation at Bayern Innovativ, I would like to inform representatives of the automotive industry that BMW is researching these topics. Perhaps this will lead to new collaborations that will accelerate the industrialization of materials and concepts.
What central challenge do you currently see in the design of vehicle interiors, and how can your experience contribute to solving it?
Thomas Gerstl: I think that in Asian markets in particular, the vehicle interior is moving away from being a driving experience to a feel-good space for all occupants. The user interface is becoming increasingly intelligent through digitalization. A natural language user interface (NLI) and the adaptation of the interior to the current state or the needs of the occupants are becoming increasingly important. Adaptation takes place via digital functions, such as status detection, as well as analog functions, such as seat adjustment.
The sustainability of interior structural components and surfaces is just as important. But currently not as much in focus as digitalization. In my opinion, this is mainly due to the needs of some markets.
With my presentation at Bayern Innovativ, I would like to inform representatives of the automotive industry that BMW is researching the topics of renewable materials and increasing recyclability. Perhaps this will lead to new collaborations that will accelerate the industrialization of materials and concepts.
Thomas Gerstl
Concept development specialist: sustainable interior, BMW AG
How do you think vehicle interiors will change in the next five to ten years, and what role will your topic play in this?
Thomas Gerstl: As mentioned above, I see the topics of "digitalization" and "tidying up the interior" as the focus for the next 5-10 years. By "tidying up", I mean the calming of interior surfaces. Multifunctional use will increase with the degree of driving automation, as drivers also have more and more time to work, eat, drink, relax or consume media content.
In order to meet CO2 climate targets, however, interior components must increasingly be made from recycled or renewable raw materials. To this end, the focus must always be on design-for-recycling in order to be able to recycle vehicle materials in a closed loop and thus meet the SRQ quota. The demand for recyclates will increase across all sectors. The prices for these materials will therefore also rise. It is therefore all the more important that vehicle materials can be recycled in a closed loop. As vehicles are used for around 21 years on average, it will be some time before closed-loop recyclates can be used in larger quantities. That's why I don't see this potential on a large scale in 5-10 years, but only in 20 years if we prepare for it now.
