Date
16 April 2026
Continental Surface Solutions Debuts Visionary Automotive Interior Design Concept in North America, SPACE D
- Housed in Auburn Hills, Michigan, SPACE D blends functionality, next-generation interior design, and sustainability into a mobile oasis
Auburn Hills, Michigan, April 16, 2026. Continental announced the North American debut of its groundbreaking SPACE D automotive design concept. SPACE D brings physical form to auto interiors of the future, an industry shaped by the demands of electric mobility, sustainability and autonomous driving.
The concept is a bold vision brought to life that bridges the gap between automotive interiors and the living room. By focusing on functionality, design, and sustainability Continental Surface Solutions has created a fully immersive, sensory experience that exemplifies what future mobility interiors will feel like, not just look like. The open, lounge-like environment allows visitors to see, touch and feel how the next generation of surface materials will shape the in-vehicle experience both aesthetically and functionally.
“SPACE D is a tactical mobile oasis that brings together the comfort and design elements of the home with the functionality and performance of a vehicle,” said Laura Phillips, head of design - Americas at Continental Surface Solutions. “We’ve designed an experience that showcases the best of both worlds.”
SPACE D is housed at a new Continental Surface Solutions showroom and collaborative workspace in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It showcases how design, performance, and sustainability can co-exist through:
- Benova® Protect – A certified PETA-Approved Vegan surface material that dispenses with critical substances, offers reduced emissions, and delivers a weight savings of ~20% compared to conventional materials. It’s a key design element in the lounge furnishings of SPACE D and recently earned accolades including a nomination for the Automotive News PACE Awards.
- Acella – Sustainable Product Design – A bio-based and recycled version of the trusted Acella material, used in the SPACE D workstation seating. It enables deep embossing, customizability, and broad processing versatility.
- Xpreshn® Hylite Concept – A translucent, renewable-sourced surface that supports both aesthetic and functional lighting – from HMI panels to illuminated branding.
Its open design strips away the conventional vehicle frame, inviting guests to explore the materials and layout with no distractions. From lounge to workstation, it emphasizes natural colors, filigree textures, and surfaces that are functional systems, not just coverings.
Every element in SPACE D is aligned with Continental’s three-pillar sustainability strategy:
Click here for more information about Continental Surface Solutions, or here for more information about Continental’s SPACE D.
