Nissan offers vitamin C in air of cars

Thursday, July 29, 2010

IN a riposte to those who think a reliance on cars is unhealthy, new Nissan models will feature air conditioners that pump breathable vitamin C and stress-reducing seats, the firm said.

The group is also looking to install "friendly" speedometers that give timely reminders of wedding anniversary dates or birthdays.

"We want drivers to feel that they are healthier staying in the car instead of on the outside," a Nissan engineer said at a test drive event outside Tokyo.

Nissan expects to equip its cars with heated "easy chairs" that incorporate NASA research to enable better blood circulation and reduce the chances of back pain during long drives. The innovations were announced along with a raft of driver safety features the automaker plans to equip its cars with in the next two to three years, including anti-collision technology.

As competition among carmakers increases and the concept of automobiles expands beyond transportation and manufacturers are looking to add value.

"The emotional aspect of a car has become increasingly important," said Nissan engineer Kenichi Tanaka.

The anti-collision technology, which is similar to radar systems used by airplanes and ships, monitors the distance with a vehicle in front and can prevent collisions at forward speeds of up to 60km/h.

The updated designs come as Nissan is bracing for the launch of the all-electric Leaf in Japan and the United States, which has become the fulcrum of its green ambitions.

The group has only one hybrid, the Altima, which uses Toyota’s technology.

This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Thursday, July 29, 2010