In late July, Nissan Motor Co. announced its new «Health & Well-Being» concept, which is designed to create a comfortable in-car environment for both driver and passengers. Three new technologies based on this concept are being introduced: Comfortable Captain Seat, Advanced Climate Control System and Quick Comfort Seat Heater.
The «Health & Well-Being» concept is part of Nissan’s larger «Life on Board» strategic technology focus. «Life on Board» is the term Nissan uses to describe the whole process of getting into the vehicle, preparing to drive, driving, arriving at the destination and getting out. Its goal is to create an ideal in-car environment by pursuing innovations in three main areas: «a cockpit designed for easy driving,» «cabin comfort» and «a well-made interior.»
The new Comfortable Captain Seat design incorporates three new technologies: «seat cushion-integrated leg rest,» «articulated seatback,» and «three-layered cushion pads.» Nissan is the only automaker adopting all three technologies at the same time.
The new Advanced Climate Control System allows three related devices to be controlled with a single switch—the Plasmacluster Ions generator, the inside/outside air control, and the grape polyphenol clean air filter. The latest version is equipped with highly concentrated Plasmacluster Ions that have been proven to help keep the skin naturally moisturized. Plasmacluster Ions help reduce airborne bacteria and mold levels, help to deactivate ticks and microbe allergens in the air, and control odors. In addition to the conventional emission gas sensor, the system detects various other odors—such as from animals and factories—and automatically switches the ventilation flow as needed.
The Quick Comfort Seat Heater optimizes heating density and control, based on human temperature sensitivity studies (world-first). They showed that heat transfer efficiency and sense of comfort vary according to the region of the body. In the first stage of operation, the Quick Comfort Seat Heater warms the area of the thighs and buttocks. Once the heat becomes stable, warming of the lower back and the thighs shortens the time it takes for a person to feel warm by 35% (compared to a conventional system), and creates a longer sense of comfort. These technologies not only have a relaxing effect, but also help to improve blood circulation, thereby reducing driving fatigue.