CLEAN: Could innovation kill car washing?
Nissan have developed the world’s first ‘self-cleaning’ car.
The new Nissan Note prototype, which utilises Ultra-Ever Dry – a specially-engineered super-hydrophobic and oleophobic paint – repels mud, rain and everyday dirt and could make car washing obsolete.
Potential aftermarket application is also being investigated by European Nissan engineers, with tests in a variety of real-world conditions set to take place over the coming months.
The technology works by creating a protective layer of air between the paint and environment, effectively stopping standing water and road spray from creating dirty marks on the car’s surface.
So far the coating, which is being marketed and sold by UltraTech International Inc, has responded successfully to rain, spray, frost, sleet and standing water.
There are currently no plans for the technology to be applied to the model as standard, but Nissan will consider the coating technology as an aftermarket option.
Geraldine Ingham, Chief Marketing Manager for Nissan Note, said: “The Nissan Note has been carefully engineered to take the stress out of customer driving and Nissan’s engineers are constantly thinking of new ways to make families’ lives easier.
“We are committed to addressing everyday problems our customers face and will always consider testing exciting, cutting edge technology like this incredible coating application.”
