Car Brand Renault to Go Leather-Free!
Leading auto manufacturer Renault is the latest brand to commit to eliminating animal leather interiors across its entire range of vehicles by the end of 2025. The move follows conversations with PETA France and PETA Germany, where we shared our Vegan Car Interior Survey. The survey showcases a trend toward animal-free car interiors amid growing consumer demand.
True luxury is free from cruelty, and Renault understands that. By refusing to work with leather, Renault is helping save animal lives, reducing its environmental impact, and proving that compassion and innovation go hand in hand.
The new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, Symbioz and Rafale all feature seats made from eco-friendly fabrics made with recycled plastic waste and other recycled textiles.
One Billion Animals Killed Annually for Leather
The global leather trade kills approximately one billion animals every year, and, on average, it takes the hides of three cows or bulls to cover the interior of a standard-sized car.
One PETA exposé of suppliers to the largest leather processor in the world revealed that calves are branded with hot irons on their faces, and cows and bulls are electrocuted and beaten before being slaughtered.
Leather, an Environmental Disaster
In addition to the cruelty involved, leather is highly polluting. Due to the thicker hides used, non-vegan car interiors tend to have an even worse environmental impact than fashion items made from animal skins.
Transforming animal hides into leather requires up to 170 chemicals (including cyanide, chromium, and coal-tar derivatives), which are toxic to human tannery workers and poison waterways. One report also linked leather car interiors to illegal land clearing and biodiversity loss.
Urge Other Car Brands to Follow Suit
Please urge other car companies like Audi and Porsche to follow Renault’s example and make animal-free interiors standard across all models.
Help Animals in 2026: Renew Your PETA Membership!
Donate Now
