Bedford Driving Lessons

Car maker Nissan has unveiled an intelligent new air-conditioning system which will stop unpleasant smells wafting in while you drive along. The ground-breaking system, which uses odour sensors outside of the car, could spell the end of rural aromas and urban whiffs invading the cabin. When the system detects a unpleasant smell it automatically closes the intake vents to stop the air coming in. It can then release a leafy ‘forest’ smell, created using essential oils, into the car to combat any lingering nasty scents. Once the sensors no longer detect the offensive odour outside, the vents open again to allow fresh air in. Nissan says it developed the ‘Forest AC’ system following a joint research study with Professor Kikunori Shinohara of the Tokyo University of Science, Suwa, Japan. A Nissan spokesman said: ‘Utilising a number of advanced technologies, the system is designed to recreate the refreshing climate, fragrance and natural breezes of relaxing forest settings. ‘The system utilises an automatic intake control system, coupled to multiple wide-range, highly sensitive micro-sensors, to prevent the inflow of unpleasant air into the cabin. ‘In addition to a conventional exhaust sensor, the system includes the world’s first sensor system for detecting various other odours, such as from animals, from outside the vehicle. More