I’ll try to be as humble as possible: What is wrong with people these days? How can someone NOT like new car smell? According to a study, one out of ten Chinese people dislike the new car smell. While it may seem erratic and should just be ignored, Ford is actually working to eliminate this from its cars! This is just weird.

This Is The Best Thing When You Purchase A Car

Ford is attempting to woo its customers in China by “addressing their issues.” We have seen people having different preferences all across the globe, but China actually wants to eliminate this smell? It wears off in a week or two anyway. But some studies have found out that the odor matters more than the safety or performance of the car. Surprisingly, this is not something new. The feedback has been consistent from Chinese customers in the recent years. And, with China being the world’s largest car market, automakers do take notice of any form of feedback from the customers.

What They Had To Say

According to Brent Gruber, senior director of global automotive, J.D. Power, said, “Unpleasant interior smell/odor remains the top industry problem in that market. To put that in context, it is nearly double the problem rate of the second most prevalent problem, excessive fuel consumption.”

However, people in the U.S. like the smell. Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader, said, “When I go online, I can find 30 different products that will give my car that new-car smell, and now they’ve come up with something to limit it?”

Debbie Mielewski, senior technical leader in materials sustainability at Ford, said, “While new-car smell is ingrained in American culture, we know Chinese customers dislike that scent. This patent is the result of years of research and is just one idea we are considering for future use.”

Ford To The Rescue

Ford has found a way around it and has filed for a patent to eradicate this new car smell. Chemicals used to attach and seal car parts may also contribute to the odor.

Explaining the process, Ford described in the patent involves parking the car in the sun, opening the windows slightly and optionally turning the engine, heater and fan on. The system includes special software and various air quality sensors and works only when fitted to a driverless or semi-autonomous vehicle. A lot of technology is involved in the patent application. The car would determine whether conditions are right to expel compounds, and the car would drive itself to a place in the sun and bake away the offensive odor.

Our Take

Call it absurd or bizarre, but these kinds of things generally tend to become a trend. We hope this practice stays only in China. What are your views on this? Share them in the comments section below.