How Automakers Create the “New Car Smell”

Automakers don’t bottle a single fragrance; the “new car smell” is mostly a mix of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) naturally released from fresh materials—plastics, foams, adhesives, leathers, and sealants—carefully managed through material choices, testing, and factory processes. In recent years, carmakers have shifted from chasing a signature scent to engineering a cleaner, more neutral cabin odor that meets stricter global expectations and VOC guidelines, while some brands offer optional in-car fragrance systems that are separate from the baseline smell.

What the “New Car Smell” Actually Is

That unmistakable aroma is the result of off‑gassing: new interior components release small amounts of VOCs as they cure and stabilize. Heat, sunlight, and closed cabins amplify the effect, which is why the scent feels strongest in the first weeks or months.

The chemistry behind the scent

In a new vehicle, dozens of materials contribute trace molecules to the air. Plastics and polymers can release residual monomers or additives; leathers and textiles emit tanning and finishing compounds; adhesives and sealants give off solvents as they cure. Together they create the composite “new” aroma most people recognize.

Where the Smell Comes From

Multiple interior parts emit small amounts of VOCs that combine into a single, recognizable odor profile. The following list outlines the most common contributors inside a modern car.

• Polymers and plastics: dashboards, door panels, consoles, and trim (e.g., polypropylene, ABS, PVC, TPO) can release residual solvents, plasticizers, and antioxidants.
• Foams and seats: polyurethane foams in cushions and headliners may off-gas amines and other curing byproducts early in their life.
• Adhesives and sealants: urethane, epoxy, and acrylic systems used to bond layers emit solvents and reaction products during cure.
• Leathers and textiles: tanning agents, dyes, and finishing oils (and, for synthetics, processing aids) contribute distinct notes—sometimes “leathery,” sometimes slightly sweet.
• Paints, coatings, and release agents: interior paints, soft-touch coatings, and mold-release compounds can add aldehydes and other light volatiles.
• Waxes, rust inhibitors, and shipping protectants: films applied for transport may linger with a mild oily or waxy odor until they dissipate or are cleaned.

Taken together, these sources create the initial bouquet that fades over time as components finish curing and residual volatiles decline, especially with ventilation and heat cycling.

How Automakers Engineer and Control It

Automakers treat cabin odor as an engineering attribute, much like noise or ride quality. The goal is a pleasant, low-intensity, low-VOC interior that meets brand expectations and regional regulations or guidelines.

• Material selection and specs: OEMs demand “low-fogging,” low-VOC grades from suppliers, increasingly avoiding high-emission plasticizers and migrating additives.
• Water-based chemistries: replacing solvent-based adhesives, primers, and coatings with water-based or 100% solids systems where possible.
• Bake-out and curing: factory heat cycles and controlled storage help drive off residual volatiles before delivery.
• Odor testing panels: trained evaluators (“noses”) score parts and full cabins using standardized scales (e.g., VDA 270) to catch unwanted notes early.
• Laboratory analytics: chambers and “bag” tests (e.g., ISO 12219 series) plus GC-MS identify specific compounds, ensuring compliance with internal and market guidelines.
• Design/material changes: shifting from PVC to olefinic trims, chrome-free leather tanning, low-emission foams, and improved antioxidants reduces odor and fogging.
• Climate robustness checks: hot-soak, sunload, and humidity tests ensure odor remains acceptable in real-world heat spikes.
• Optional fragrances: some premium brands offer scent diffusers for a chosen cabin ambiance; these are separate add-ons, not the baseline “new car” odor.

The industry trend is toward “clean and neutral” rather than a strong signature scent, reflecting customer feedback—especially in markets that prefer minimal interior odors—alongside evolving VOC expectations.

Do Automakers Add a “New Car” Perfume?

Generally, no. The foundational smell comes from the materials themselves and the way they’re processed. Dealerships and the aftermarket do sell “new car smell” sprays, but these are perfumes meant to emulate the aroma; they are not how OEMs create the factory-fresh scent. A few luxury brands offer climate-control fragrance cartridges, but those are optional and distinct from the inherent odor of new materials.

Is It Safe?

For most people, the experience is an annoyance at worst and typically diminishes quickly. VOC levels are highest in the first days and weeks, rise with heat, and drop as the car airs out. Automakers design interiors to meet internal targets and market guidelines aimed at lowering exposure. Sensitive individuals may experience irritation or headaches; if so, ventilation and time are effective mitigations.

How Consumers Can Reduce or Manage the Smell

If the new-car aroma is too strong, simple steps can speed its fade without harming the vehicle. The following suggestions are commonly recommended by automakers and cabin air specialists.

• Ventilate regularly: drive with windows cracked when safe, or open doors briefly in a shaded area to exchange air.
• Use heat-vent cycles: on warm days, let the cabin warm for a few minutes, then ventilate; heat accelerates off-gassing, and venting removes it.
• Leverage HVAC filtration: set fresh-air mode and consider an activated-carbon or carbon+HEPA cabin filter when available.
• Absorb odors: place activated charcoal or baking soda packs in the cabin temporarily, replacing as they saturate.
• Clean surfaces: a gentle wipe-down of hard surfaces and glass (per the owner’s manual) can remove residues that contribute to odor and fogging.
• Avoid heavy aftermarket sprays: strong perfuming can mask rather than reduce emissions and may introduce new irritants.

These steps typically shorten the period of noticeable odor from weeks to days, depending on climate and how frequently the car is driven and aired out.

Why the Smell Is Changing

Compared with a decade ago, many new cars smell lighter and “cleaner.” The shift reflects better low-VOC materials, stricter internal standards, and customer preferences—particularly in markets that actively complain about strong interior odors. As a result, that classic “new car” note is becoming subtler and less uniform across brands.

Bottom Line

Manufacturers don’t spray in a scent; they engineer it out. The iconic “new car smell” is the sum of real materials finishing their curing process, carefully controlled through chemistry, testing, and process so that what you notice on day one fades into the background as your car settles in.

Summary

The new car smell comes from VOCs off-gassing from fresh interior materials—plastics, foams, adhesives, leathers, and coatings. Automakers manage it by specifying low-VOC materials, using water-based chemistries, heat-curing parts, and testing with odor panels and laboratory methods. They increasingly aim for a neutral, low-intensity odor rather than a strong signature scent; optional fragrance systems are separate. For drivers who find the smell overpowering, heat-vent cycles, fresh-air HVAC, activated-carbon filtration, and light surface cleaning help it dissipate faster.

How do you make your car smell like a new car?

Clean your car, swapout the cabin filter, and with the car running and AC cranked, leave it in there to do its thing (5 mins or so). Once it’s done, I’ll put the windows down and let the car get a bit of fresh air and then an air scent freshener of your choice can just hang from your mirror or whatever.

How do cars get the new car smell?

The new car smell is actually made up of a mix of chemicals that are contained in the various car interior features. Some of these features release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which produce the familiar smell.

What is the new car scent made of?

It is created by the chemical reaction of plastics, leather, and other materials used in the manufacturing process. The scent is also produced by the off-gassing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the initial heating and driving.

What is the scent of a brand new car?

Regardless of which side you stand with (loving or hating that new car smell), research shows that the new car smell stems from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Around 50 or 60 of them off-gas from various points throughout a new car’s interior, with the most common VOCs including: Ethylbenzene. Xylene.