Nissan Motor Reduces Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Two Models to Below Guideline Values

Minor changes made in its Cube and Cube Cubic models have allowed Nissan Motor Co. of Japan to successfully reduce concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in these cars below guideline values for 13 chemicals set by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the company announced on May 24, 2005. A test method developed by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) to considers actual road use of vehicles was used to determine that VOC levels were less than the criteria in these models. With this method, JAMA intends to promote voluntary achievement of indoor concentration standards for 13 chemicals set by the ministry, starting with new model passenger cars manufactured in and after fiscal 2007, according to a JAMA announcement made in February 2005.

Nissan has actively worked to enhance the in-car environment by installing such components as air conditioners that eliminate germs through ionization and heat-insulating glass that also blocks 90 percent of ultraviolet rays. As part of a continuous effort to reduce VOC concentrations in cars, Nissan has already started using VOC-free or lower-VOC materials and adhesives for seats, door trim, carpets and other components in some models, such as the Fuga.

Nissan intends to steadily increase the number of models that satisfy the ministry's guideline values.

http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/index.html
- Automobile Industry to Voluntarily Regulate Volatile Chemicals in Cars (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/985-e

Posted: 2005/11/04 08:26:14 AM
Japanese version