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-   -   Material similar to alcantara / ultrasuede in India? (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/modifications-accessories/237015-material-similar-alcantara-ultrasuede-india-2.html)

Yes thats why i mentioned that type of material, not exact alcantara because its not easily available in the market.

There are different types of suede upholstery available in the market for various budgets from 200 to 1500+ per meter. That is why is suggested to try that because its easier to source and also will grip decently well. If you are going to be wearing clothes and sitting on your car seats there is very little difference you will find between them unless you are super sensitive :)

From my experience, while cleaning car seats with alcantara there is a tendency for it to get worn easily and requires careful cleaning without much rubbing. Also dust is enemy no.1 for alcantara. Sofa upholstery materials are much more resistant to wear and cleaning if you get a better quality one.

I've read stories where the Alacantra on the Microsoft Surface starts peeling after 1-2 years from the corners. Car usage may be more hard on the material I think. If possible, suggest to reconfirm the durability with someone who has it before spending money.

More likely will not be manufactured using recycled materials as it is generally lot cheaper and more efficient to manufacture these synthetics 'virgin' than 'recycle'. Maybe some company specifically does it and therefore could be more expensive than others.

Actually that is a harder requirement. Cars are human skin on material. This is tabletop scraping the material. if it is wearing off in 2 years... I am super happy.

I've been trying to source Indian/Chinese equivalents. The only person who said yes to me on Alcantara is Autoshades delhi - which quoted 90k just for the part of seats that touches the body. Backside will be normal artificial leather.

I'm seeing there is a bunch of places on Aliexpress which is claiming "better than Alcantara" - https://www.aliexpress.com/store/gro...1ff16642Tu1e1j

I'm hoping there's something in India that's close.

Yes, this is precisely why I suggested old timey leather workers. You tell them the exact grain and stock (stock is a paper term so.."weight"?) you need for your application and they'll know where to source it from.

You looking for Alcantara/Ultrasuede exactly is like someone hunting for Xerox machines and only Xerox machines while ignoring Canon, Brother, HP despite them all being photocopiers.

Cheers!

I had tried hunting for alcantara back in 2011 for a 1.6L Polo petrol I had bought then. I eventually went with suede+leather just like you're planning, which lasted me well for the 8 years I had the car.

I did find an alcantara dealer in Pune I think. Name was Shetty, in think the firm name was Luxpel. I have a number saved - 9326820386. You could give it a try. He was really unresponsive back then so good luck.

You will definitely get the equivalent with an upholstery dealer. I came across it when looking for sofa upholstery a few months ago. Two types were available, the suede type and the extremely fine velvet type

This is what I have. The perforation + the design makes sure there is ample air pockets or circulation etc. Alcantara + Sweat is the easiest path to an ugly interior.





The design may not be to everyone's liking. But go with something that is not a flat piece of material sticking to your behind. Ridges, diamonds, cubes, whatever floats your boat. The idea to introduce pockets of air.

Hope this helps.

Wondering if there’s an update on this quest. I am keen on doing micro/ ultra suede interiors as well. A co called Toray seems to have a manufacturing setup in India. Wondering if you attempted to contact them?

https://cetusautomotives.com/
Check Cetus Automotives - They have presence in Chennai & Hyderabad.