Eagle Ottawa Outfits New Volkswagen Passat With Environmentally Friendly Leather Upholstery
5 January 1998
Eagle Ottawa Outfits New Volkswagen Passat With Environmentally Friendly Leather UpholsteryGRAND HAVEN, Mich., Jan. 5 -- The critically acclaimed 1998 Volkswagen Passat has become the launch vehicle for a new, all-natural automotive upholstery that is recyclable and chrome-free. The award-winning Phoenix leather was developed by the Eagle Ottawa Leather Company, the world's largest supplier of automotive leather. Besides being completely recyclable, and biodegradable, Phoenix leather is a first-of- its-kind leather created completely with natural extracts, as opposed to chrome or other metals. Phoenix leather also features improved grain retention, low fog characteristics, reduced shrinkage levels and a soft, glove-leather feel. Its natural finishes also makes Phoenix more climate responsive -- cooler in the summer -- warmer in the winter. The new, completely redesigned Passat marks the first vehicle to brandish Phoenix leather; a testament to Volkswagen's ingenuity and environmental awareness. "We feel honored to be involved in the Passat vehicle program," said Anders Segerdahl, president of the Eagle Ottawa Leather Company. "Our Phoenix leather addresses the world's future environmental needs, today. This product illustrates our commitment to innovation and meeting the needs of world-class customers like Volkswagen." Phoenix leather is manufactured and distributed at Eagle Ottawa's new finishing and cutting plant in Ekandustria, South Africa. Boasting the latest in manufacturing technology, the South African operation provides automotive leather to numerous automotive manufacturers in Europe and the Pacific Rim. Eagle Ottawa currently supports more than one-third of the global market. Presently, approximately 80 vehicle models feature Eagle Ottawa Leather worldwide -- representing virtually every major automobile manufacturer in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Privately held Eagle Ottawa operates tanneries at its headquarters in Grand Haven, MI, as well as Milwaukee, WI; Waterloo, IA; and Acton, Ontario, Canada. It also operates finishing and cutting facilities in Rochester Hills and Clinton Township, MI, and Juarez, Mexico. Eagle Ottawa Leather, Ltd., operates a tannery in Warrington, England, and a finishing and seat covering facility in Coventry, England. Founded in 1865, Eagle Ottawa currently employs more than 3,000 people internationally. SOURCE Eagle Ottawa Leather, Ltd.