One of the most popular car brands in the world has announced that it will be making a major change to its vehicles.
After lengthy discussions with the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Renault has announced it will no longer be using animal leather in its vehicles.
By the end of the year, Renault said it would only use animal-free car interiors, citing consumer demand.
Data from PETA shows that more than one billion animals are killed every year across the world for use in leather.
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RENAULT
|Renault announced the significant vehicle changes after discussions with PETA
Further estimates suggest that, on average, it takes the hides of three cows or bulls to cover the interior of a standard-sized car.
Shockingly, some larger vehicles, which are becoming more popular, require as many as 15 hides to equip the interior.
Renault's three most recent models - the 5 E-Tech electric Symbioz and Rafale, all contain recycled materials for the interior.
The environmentally friendly design also features materials made by removing plastic waste from landfills and repurposing it.
James Fraser, senior corporate liaison at PETA France, said: "It's impossible to have a relaxed, luxurious ride with the weight of animal suffering and environmental pollution on board.
"By choosing cruelty-free materials, Renault is helping spare clever cows, reduce its carbon footprint, and prove that compassion and innovation go hand-in-hand."
PETA is now calling on other automotive manufacturers to follow the example of Renault and eliminate the use of animal products in new vehicles.
A recent investigation by the brand found that calves were being branded with hot irons, and gentle cows and bulls were being electrocuted and beaten in the leather process.
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PETA has also published its European Vegan Car Interior Survey, which identifies which brands use leather in their vehicles.
A "vegan interior" is defined as having no animal-derived products, including leather or wool, on surfaces, seats, panelling and the steering wheel.
It found that many of the most popular vehicle brands in the world have vegan interiors as standard for their flagship models.
A handful of brands, including Jaguar Land Rover, Jeep and Mercedes-Benz, allow motorists to have a vegan interior upon request.
RENAULT | Renault has several electric vehicles in its UK lineup, including the new 5 E-TechYvonne Taylor, VP of corporate projects at PETA, explained: "True luxury is free from cruelty - and Renault understands that.
"By refusing to work with leather, Renault is helping save animal lives, reduce its environmental impact, and prove that compassion and innovation go hand in hand."
The following brands do not have any vehicles with a vegan interior
- Alfa Romeo
- Audi
- Bentley
- Bugatti
- Cupra
- Dodge
- DS Automobiles
- Ferrari
- Lamborghini
- Maserati
- Mazda
- Porsche