China's automakers are taking advantage of health concerns that have increased dramatically following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic by launching anti-virus and anti-microbial vehicles.
Geely launched a $ 52 million initiative called “All-round Healthy Car Project,” promising several new benefits aimed at protecting passengers from viruses and bacteria, by preventing the entry of fine particles into the vehicle, which may protect drivers and passengers from any harmful substances.
In addition, Geely is also developing antimicrobial materials to keep vehicle controls and door handles free from bacteria and viruses.
According to reports, the car will contain buttons, controllers with anti-virus coating and strong air filters with UV light to sterilize the air, among other new features being developed by car manufacturers to protect motorists.
However, it is worth noting that the technology used is still not proven, although analysts expect this trend to become global, according to the British newspaper Daily Mail.
According to the British newspaper, cars produced under this new logo will be equipped with a special air purification system that Geely claims will provide the same degree of protection from particles and aerosols as medical face gags.
The company has also promised to introduce new environmentally sustainable materials with anti-bacterial and anti-virus properties that can be used within air conditioner systems and on frequently touched surfaces such as buttons and knobs.
In addition to the new design changes, Jelly promotes a home delivery service, "Contactless", which will use drones to deliver car keys to customer homes or apartments to reduce exposure to employees.
Saic Motors, a Shanghai-based Chinese car design and manufacturing company, will give customers the option to add a UV lamp to the car air conditioning vents, which it claims will sterilize the air inside the main cabin.
The Guangzhou-based car company JAC Motors has also begun to strengthen its air filtration system, which it says will help protect against viruses and bacteria.
In response to these initiatives, analysts called the ads a "gimmick", relying on unproven technology in a climate of growing concern about pathogens.
"Companies are trying to take advantage of the concerns of The Covid-19 epidemic to sell products and services to consumers and the ability to collect additional revenues," Said Sean Ren, an official with the China Market Research Group, told the BBC.
"I'm not a doctor or scientist, but I warn consumers to be wary of any company that says its products reduce the transmission of viruses, especially the coronavirus," Ren said.
For his part, analyst Vivek Vaidya of "Frost & Sullivan" said that other car manufacturers around the world are likely to take advantage of the new features, adding: "The development of these features is already emerging, but the coronavirus has given more momentum," noting that this will not be limited to China, but will become a global trend.
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