Mitsubishi Motors is hoping to replace some of the plastics used in vehicle interiors with a natural alternative. The company is combining acid fermented from sugar cane or corn with bamboo fiber. The material would obviate the need for plastics based on petroleum products and cut the lifecycle emissions for interior components by 50 percent. As petroleum continually gets more expensive, companies will continue to pursue alternatives.

This is not the first such effort by an auto maker, but it does show a growing interest. I am curious to see the safety tests regarding fire prevention and heat resistance for these materials since plastics tend to melt very slowly.
(Autopia, 20/02/06)
http://wiredblogs.tripod.com/cars/