Honda developed a new antiviral product called the Kurumask (Japanese for “car” and mask) that is designed to kill viruses inside a vehicle. While it is not exactly a mask in the traditional sense, the Kurumask is actually a thin cap that is placed over a car’s cabin filter.
Once installed, Honda’s solution is said to kill 99.8% or more of virus droplets floating in a cabin in 15 minutes. The filter is said to be able to last up to one year. Adding to that, the filter is also claimed to reduce the number of viruses found on interior surfaces by 99.9% within 24 hours.
Honda explained that the Kurumask’s antiviral properties come from its use of a zinc phosphate conversion treatment – the same kind used to prevent rust on vehicle bodies. It also has lots of microscopic spikes on its surface that are designed to catch and damage virus molecules before they can enter a person’s body.
Now, this is not the first time carmakers have offered enhanced cabin filters to reduce harmful pollutants. Last year Proton introduced N95 cabin filters for its SUV range: the X70 2020 and X50.
According to Proton, its solution can filter 95% of particles larger than 0.3 microns and 98% of PM2.5 dust particles. In July last year, Proton said the N95 cabin filter would come standard with all Saga, Persona, Iriz and Exora models. In case you are wondering, existing owners can buy Proton’s N95 cabin filter for RM59, excluding labour charges.
Currently, the Kurumask is only offered as an accessory for Honda’s Nbox mini van. The Japanese automaker did, however, say it has plans to expand the availability of the cabin filter to other models. It is now being sold at authorised Honda dealers in Japan at a retail price of JPY 7,040 (RM273).
