SC automaker Volvo hopes to make in-car sneezing a thing of the past

By David Wren dwren@postandcourier.com

SC automaker Volvo hopes to make in-car sneezing a thing of the past

In areas like the Southeast region of the United States, where pollen season covers vehicles with a thick yellow dust each spring, Volvo Cars is hoping a new technology will give drivers a little comfort from sneezing and watery eyes — at least while they’re inside their cars.
The automaker, which builds S60 sedans at a $1.2 billion manufacturing site in Ridgeville, is equipping new vehicles with what it calls “cutting-edge air purification” that can remove up to 99.9 percent of grass, tree and weed pollen allergens from incoming air.
“By helping our customers improve the air quality inside their Volvo car, we will help reduce the adverse health effects associated with air pollution, allergens and fine particulates,” said Dr. Maria Bernander, occupant health effects expert at Volvo Cars. “In addition to personal health benefits, studies have shown cleaner air can also help boost concentration, which can help you stay more focused during the drive.”
A display in the vehicle’s center console will provide drivers with live data showing real-time outdoor pollen and air quality levels, alerting them to when use of an in-car air purification system might be warranted. Sensors also record the amount of particulate matter inside the vehicle compared to the outdoor air.
Volvo said its Advanced Air Cleaner can also remove more than 97 percent of airborne viruses that try to enter a vehicle’s cabin and up to 95 percent of existing viral levels already inside the vehicle.
Anders Löfvendahl, Volvo’s cabin air quality technical expert, said the technology that’s unique to the carmaker’s vehicles “can increase our competitive advantage by offering a more comfortable and healthier driving experience.”
The technology is currently available on Volvo’s 60- and 90-model vehicles. The Swedish automaker plans to expand production at its South Carolina plant off Interstate 26 by adding the next-generation successor to the XC90 SUV by the end of this year. The Berkeley County site also will build the Polestar 3 sedan for its high-performance sister brand.
The S60 Recharge, which is also made at the Lowcountry factory, recently was named best luxury plug-in hybrid vehicle by U.S. News and World Report, taking top honors among 82 vehicles in the running.
Volvo announced this month that all of its 2023 models will consist of mild hybrid, hybrid or electric vehicles as the automaker moves toward its goal of producing all battery-powered cars by 2030. Mild hybrid vehicles are powered by internal combustion engines but have an electric motor to give the engine a boost during acceleration.
In addition, the new S60 will feature a redesigned front grille and updated rear bumper inserts. The 2023 models are in production and expected to be available this summer.

See full article here.