While the source of"new car smell" remains a mystery, I recently discovered that it is not unique to new cars. I recently had the opportunity to look around in a brand new military helicopter (a USNavy H-60 Seahawk) and to my surprise and amusement, it smelled just like a new car inside! Therefore, I must conclude that the smell is the result of relatively commonplace materials/adhesives etc…
This might help you out a bit.
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/990528.html
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Cecil’s column can be found on-line at the link provided by fenrir.
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