Audi Selects Mitsubishi Chemical’s DURABIO for New Q3 Door Switch Inserts

Press release

Published June 12th, 2026 - 04:27 GMT

Audi Selects Mitsubishi Chemical’s DURABIO for New Q3 Door Switch Inserts

Mitsubishi Chemical is proud to announce it has extended its collaboration with Audi through the selection of DURABIOTM for the door switch inserts in the new Audi Q3, which was launched in October 2025.

This milestone marks the debut of DURABIOTM in an Audi interior application. The new door switch panel – crafted from a single DURABIOTM molded component – offers significant improvements in manufacturing efficiency, design flexibility, and environmental performance.

A Leap Forward in Design and Efficiency

The switch panel, designed with three distinct textures – shiny high-gloss, grained, and matte – demonstrates DURABIOTM’s exceptional molding versatility. This capability eliminates the need for multiple components and post-processing steps such as painting, streamlining production and reducing costs. The mold-in-color functionality not only delivers a premium finish, such as the selected piano black, but also supports a broad color range for future customization.

“We’re proud to partner with Audi on this project and showcase how DURABIOTM aligns with their values of quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility,” said Nicolas Sawaguchi, Business Development Manager Performance Polymers EMEA at Mitsubishi Chemical.

Sustainability Through Innovation

Developed by Mitsubishi Chemical, DURABIOTM is a partially bio-based engineering polymer derived from isosorbide. Thanks to the addition of bio-based material, it significantly reduces the consumption of fossil fuel-based materials. The elimination of painting processes minimizes CO₂ emissions, waste, and VOCs.

With superior resistance to weathering, impacts, and scratches, DURABIOTM is ideally suited for high-quality interior applications that demand both aesthetic excellence and durability.

The project underscores Mitsubishi Chemical’s commitment to advancing sustainable mobility through material innovation.

Additional information

DURABIO™” Product Website

https://www.m-chemical.co.jp/en/products/departments/mcc/pc/product/120…

Audi Q3” Product Website

https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/audi-q3-56

Background Information

Audi

Audi is a German manufacturer of a range of automobiles, from supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges that are marketed under the Audi brand. The company is headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany, and has been a wholly owned (99.55%) subsidiary of Volkswagen AG since 1966.

Currently, Audi's sales are growing strongly in Europe. Its 2007 worldwide sales have been released as 964,151 vehicles sold - a record for the brand. In 2008, Audi has achieved the 13th record year in a row passing the 1 million unit mark with 1,003,400 sold units.