Chinese automakers are finding interesting ways to attract buyers after the major slump in car sales caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Chang’an Automobile -- which operates joint ventures with the likes of Ford, Mazda, and Suzuki -- shared on Wednesday that its “virus-filtering” air system for cars has reached mass production.
According to Chang’an, the high-efficiency filter can help keep passengers safer from pollutants and virus droplets in the air as they ride around town. The company received the CATARC CN95 certification back in April, meaning it can filter out 95% of particulate matter measuring 0.3 micrometers or larger. The company claims it can filter out particulate matter down to 0.1 micrometers. Most viruses, however, count their sizes in nanometers, which is a thousandth of the size of a micrometer.
Geely, the Chinese automaker that owns Volvo, is also introducing air filtration systems to its vehicles. Other brands like SAIC are throwing in ultraviolet lamps that sterilize air with filtration systems as an add-on. And if you need something for when you’re not in a car, Gree says its US$US1,700 plasma air cleaner can remove harmful particles in your house. But this doesn’t guarantee a virus-free environment.