Sensory analysis of automotive interior materials: olfaction

The automotive industry has evolved from a mass-production model, primarily designed to satisfy the needs of an ever-growing number of consumers, and where performance and the ability of a car to perform its function were paramount, to a more competitive market. Today, this market is characterized by greater segmentation and a growing need for vehicle customization.

At the same time, the use of polymer and composite materials has grown to represent the majority of parts and trim materials used in automotive interiors. Their contribution to vehicle comfort, particularly in terms of vibration and acoustics, is indisputable.

They also act as an interface between the customer and the vehicle, once the customer has settled in. Whatever the current advances in electronics, the touch of a steering wheel, gearshift or door handle are still among the only interfaces directly perceptible to the consumer.

These sensations are all the more important for brand differentiation, as they can play a seductive role in the consumer's choice of vehicle, even before any appreciation of its comfort in use.

This study proposes to show :

• the interest and necessity of applying sensory analysis to automotive interior materials;

• the possible applications of sensory analysis, with its possible difficulties;

• the benefits of such an approach for sectors other than the automotive industry.

This study consists of two articles:

[AM 3 291] – Sensory analysis of automotive interior materials: olfaction ;

– Sensory analysis of automotive interior materials: touch/vision.

For more details on sensory analysis, please consult the article by the same authors:

– Methods for sensory analysis of plastic materials, plus references and published in Techniques de l'Ingénieur.