Smelling the smog as you’re sitting in traffic is one of the least pleasurable aspects about in-town driving. Not only are some particles unpleasant to the senses, but they also cause health hazards too, so Volvo is selling its new XC90 SUV with what a multi-filter system that cleans the air before it goes into the cabin.
According to Peter Mertens, Senior VP of Research and Development, “up to 45 per cent of the industrialised world’s population is now suffering from some form of allergy or hypersensitivity. Over ten per cent has asthma. At Volvo, our commitment to safety goes well beyond safety belts and air bags. It’s about making sure that every minute you and your family spend in a Volvo is as safe as it can possibly be. That includes breathing.”
What they’re trying to do with the complex filtration system is “keep out a number of harmful and irritating pollutants,” like nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, ground-level ozone and unpleasant odors as well.
The use of the system is part of Volvo’s CleanZone Initiative, a “holistic approach to improving the driver’s environment.”
Another way in which the system works is to kick on the remote cabin ventilation system automatically as the vehicle is unlocked. This means in no more than a minute all of the stagnant air inside the car is pushed out and freshened.
Photo Gallery
