Virus-proofing systems could become the new popular accessory in vehicles. Contemplating the post-pandemic market, automakers are investigating ways to win customers by disinfecting their cars and trucks.
Ideas under consideration include devices that could blast car interiors with ultraviolet light, using foggers to spray disinfectants, upgraded air filtration systems and antimicrobial materials.
A third of vehicle shoppers recently told Cox Automotive they are more likely to consider air quality features for their next vehicle than before COVID-19.
"Safety is definitely top of mind for car shoppers," said Vanesa Ton, Cox senior industry intelligence manager. "Not only are they expecting sanitization and social distancing protocols in place at the dealerships, they also want features in their cars to protect them, such as air quality/purifier options."
In a sweeping five-country survey, 80% of respondents in the United States, China, Japan, Germany and Italy told consultant IHS Markit they'd be willing to pay for systems to disinfect their vehicles.
"There's customer sentiment to implement these features," IHS supplier technology expert David Trippany said. "People want their vehicles to sterilize themselves."
A Michigan tech company has begun making UV lights to sterilize the inside of ambulances, police cars and other emergency vehicles. John Major, director of marketing for GHSP, said UV light can't be used when people are in the vehicle, but its sterilizing effect is cumulative, meaning "you don't have to kill 100% at once. Short bursts every time the vehicle is empty work."
Motion sensors and thermometers can determine when the vehicle is empty and ready for irradiation. The lights can be integrated into headliners or existing lighting systems, he said. Irradiating air in the climate control system's ducts is another possibility.
