Signature Surfaces: Automotive Interiors Expo Europe
How do you translate artistic expression into an automotive interior?
That question was at the heart of Signature Surfaces, Racemark's live installation presented within the KHALIL Trend Zone at Automotive Interiors Expo Europe in Stuttgart.
Over three days, visitors witnessed something rarely seen in the automotive industry—not simply a finished product, but the creative process behind it.
Bringing a Surface to Life
Throughout the exhibition, textile artist Elke Weisbarth created a custom, hand tufted surface inspired by Racemark’s own CNC Tufting machine.
Inspired by the newly launched OQTA vehicle, the installation evolved one tuft at a time, inviting visitors to observe and even participate in the craftsmanship, material choices and creative decisions that shape an automotive interior long before it reaches production.
The Role of Material Innovation
Working in collaboration with ECONYL®, the installation featured a curated selection of bespoke yarns appropriate for automotive interior applications. Their color, texture and performance characteristics became essential elements of the creative process, demonstrating how material innovation contributes not only to functionality but also to emotional connection and design expression.
Where Craftsmanship Meets Precision
While the live installation highlighted the artistry of hand tufting, it also illustrated a broader philosophy that defines Racemark's approach: the intersection of craftsmanship and advanced manufacturing.
Great automotive interiors begin with creativity—but they must ultimately meet the demanding requirements of modern vehicle production.
Alongside the installation, Racemark showcased its CNC tufting capabilities, demonstrating how handcrafted concepts can be translated into production-ready automotive solutions while preserving the character, texture and individuality of the original design.
Conversations That Shape the Future
Automotive Interiors Expo Europe brought together designers, engineers, material specialists and OEM partners from across the industry.
For Racemark, the most valuable outcome was the opportunity to exchange ideas around the evolving role of materials, personalization and craftsmanship within the future of mobility.
The conversations reinforced a clear industry direction: automotive interiors are becoming increasingly expressive, tactile and individual. As expectations continue to evolve, close collaboration between designers, material innovators and manufacturing partners will be essential.
Thank You
Signature Surfaces would not have been possible without the collaboration of exceptional partners.
We extend our sincere thanks to KHALIL Design for creating the inspiring Trend Zone platform, to ECONYL® for their partnership and material expertise, and to Elke Weisbarth for bringing the concept to life through her remarkable craftsmanship.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who visited the installation, shared ideas and contributed to meaningful conversations throughout the exhibition.
As the final stitches were completed in Stuttgart, one message became clear: The future of automotive interiors will not be defined by craftsmanship or technology alone but with thoughtful collaborations.
