VOCs (volatile organic compounds) include formaldehyde, toluene, and other compounds prone to volatility at room temperature. These are believed to cause nose and throat irritation. A thorough review of the components, adhesives, and other materials used in seats, door trim, floor carpets, and the like was carried out to reduce VOCs in vehicle cabins.

With minor design changes in 2005 to the March, Cube and Cube Cubic, Nissan reduced the cabin concentrations of 13 substances to below levels permitted by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. We achieved the same levels with the Wingroad, Teana, Serena and Bluebird Sylphy models introduced in the same year. Thanks to these efforts we were well ahead of schedule in meeting the industry goals, which are set in accordance with the Health Ministry’s guidelines for new passenger vehicles sold after 2007.

We brought cabin VOC concentrations below guideline values set by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in the Bluebird Sylphy