CMF case – VDL Futura X MODYN

The new generation of the VDL Futura was more than a design update, it was an opportunity to rethink what a coach interior should be.

For decades, coach interiors borrowed cues from the automotive world: dynamic lines and sporty gestures. But coach passengers experience travel differently. They don’t drive, they travel, unwind, rest and connect.

After the successful collaboration on exterior and interior design, VDL asked MODYN to take on a unique CMF challenge: reimagine the coach interior as a place to relax, inspired not by cars but by premium travel, hospitality, and the warmth of home interiors. The ambition was to create an interior that goes beyond function: inviting, safe, and emotionally engaging. Nothing communicates comfort and security more than the feeling of home and this became the guiding inspiration. The goal was to translate this sense of familiarity and warmth into a CMF strategy for the Futura line, creating an environment defined by tactility, calmness and refinement.

To build this design vision, we began by analyzing CMF processes from premium automotive brands known for their refined material strategies. We broadened our research by exploring interior design trends and inspiration from Milan Design Week, where progressive approaches to color, material and finish shape what modern, inviting environments can be.

The ambition was to blend both worlds:
moving beyond the purely functional, transport-oriented look of traditional coaches, while ensuring durability, safety and long-term performance.

The goal was a human-centered environment, calm, welcoming and comfortable on even the longest journeys.

The project delivered a comprehensive CMF strategy that elevates Futura well beyond conventional coach interiors. By combining minimalist styling with warm, tactile materials, we helped VDL define a modern, premium interior identity.

The result is not just a refreshed seat design but a consistent interior language, one that positions Futura as a leader in long-distance comfort and sophistication.

From the research, we distilled a focused set of design criteria:

• Develop CMF directions and styling that move away from the traditional transportation aesthetic

• Introduce soft, wool-like fabrics to bring warmth and tactility

• Combine textiles with refined leathers for durability and sophistication

• Elevate details: stitching, layering, transitions and finishes

This design brief became the foundation for a CMF strategy that merges functionality with emotional comfort.

In the development phase, we translated the design criteria into multiple CMF directions, each with its own palette, material story and styling proposals. The directions ranged from minimal and timeless to more expressive and bold.

Each CMF “World” included curated color themes and physical boards, created with materials sourced from our trusted sub-vendors. Working closely with VDL, we refined the concepts, softening certain elements where needed for durability, while maintaining the sophisticated, homelike character.

The outcome was a set of calm, minimalistic and refined color groups that balance comfort, elegance and long-lasting quality, fully aligned with VDL’s vision for the new Futura.

In the final phase, MODYN worked closely with VDL to translate the concepts into a production-ready CMF package. Together, we:

• refined prototypes

• finalized material and color selections

• aligned yarns, labels and finishes

• evaluated every detail for both aesthetics and technical feasibility

This approach shows how thoughtful CMF strategy and styling can elevate transportation interiors into refined, human-centered environments, setting a new benchmark for comfort and sophistication in mobility design.

The project delivered a comprehensive CMF strategy that elevates Futura well beyond conventional coach interiors. By combining minimalist styling with warm, tactile materials, we helped VDL define a modern, premium interior identity.

The result is not just a refreshed seat design but a consistent interior language, one that positions Futura as a leader in long-distance comfort and sophistication.

This project highlights the importance of integrating CMF early in the design process, as it shapes both the aesthetic and the emotional impact of an interior.

Looking ahead, opportunities for future enhancement include:

• sustainable and recycled material options

• adaptive lighting

• smart surface technologies

The foundation is now laid for coach interiors that are not only functional, but beautifully refined, human-centered environments for long-distance travel.