The New Scent of New-Car-Scent

Nissan Motors today announced the development of a new Forest AC air conditioning system, which systematically controls cabin temperature, ventilation, aroma and humidity to create an optimal interior environment. Utilizing a number of advanced technologies, the system is designed to recreate the refreshing climate, fragrance and natural breezes of relaxing forest settings. It was developed based on the results of a joint research study with the Tokyo University of Science on the effects of aroma on human mental activity.

Taking a hint from the pleasant effect of forest air on people, Nissan studied the effects of aromas on human mental activity. The resulting Forest AC system intermittently and alternately furnishes two unique aromas - borneol*1 and leaf alcohol*2 - to alleviate boredom and stimulate the driver’s brain. Borneol combines a compound made from fragrant Kapur wood, lavender and other essential oils to promote calm and focus, while leaf alcohol is found in most plants and is thought to have a calming effect and reduce fatigue. The system utilizes a special interchangeable aroma cartridge (with a one-year life) to produce the forest effect.

Development of the Forest AC was based on results of a joint Nissan research study with Professor Kikunori Shinohara of the Tokyo University of Science, Suwa, Japan. “The relaxed state,” said Professor Shinohara, “is one in which the person calms down from external conditions or the consequences of what he or she has done and achieves mental acuity, resulting in good work.” Test subjects simultaneously exposed to these aromas and controlled ventilation simulating a natural breeze exhibited changes in cerebral blood flow. This, Shinohara says, can create the relaxed state of a person sitting for calligraphy or a tea ceremony - alert and focused, yet with tension relieved.