Webasto Offers HEPA Filters
Effective immediately, Webasto, the specialist in heating and air conditioning systems, is offering HEPA air filtration systems for rapid and simple retrofitting. The “HFT 300” and “HFT 600” filtration systems can be retrofitted to all vehicle interiors, for example ambulances, buses and streetcars. They are capable of filtering particles smaller than 0.3 micrometers – including airborne viruses, bacteria, aerosols and dust – from five to ten cubic meters of air per minute. They therefore comply with the requirements of HEPA filter class H14 and the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ecdc). The degree of purification corresponds to 99.995 percent. In rescue vehicles the filters, used in conjunction with personal protective equipment, significantly reduce the risk of infection of emergency medical service operators and patients.
Two filter variants are available in lengths of 60 cm and 120 cm for different sized vehicle interiors. They are capable of decontaminating 300 or 600 cubic meters of air per hour. Several filters can be combined to decontaminate larger spaces. They have a diameter of 20 centimeters, are very light at 3.1 kg and 5.5 kg, and can be mounted in any possible position. If desired, suitable mounting brackets are available from Webasto. Using these, mounting is possible in just 30 minutes. The filtration systems only require a 12 Volt or 24 Volt connection. Filters are replaced with no risk of contamination.
The air filtration systems will be available in Europe from August via the Webasto dealer network.
Effective immediately, Webasto, the specialist in heating and air conditioning systems, is offering HEPA air filtration systems for rapid and simple retrofitting. The “HFT 300” and “HFT 600” filtration systems can be retrofitted to all vehicle interiors, for example ambulances, buses and streetcars. They are capable of filtering particles smaller than 0.3 micrometers – including airborne viruses, bacteria, aerosols and dust – from five to ten cubic meters of air per minute. They therefore comply with the requirements of HEPA filter class H14 and the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ecdc). The degree of purification corresponds to 99.995 percent. In rescue vehicles the filters, used in conjunction with personal protective equipment, significantly reduce the risk of infection of emergency medical service operators and patients.
Two filter variants are available in lengths of 60 cm and 120 cm for different sized vehicle interiors. They are capable of decontaminating 300 or 600 cubic meters of air per hour. Several filters can be combined to decontaminate larger spaces. They have a diameter of 20 centimeters, are very light at 3.1 kg and 5.5 kg, and can be mounted in any possible position. If desired, suitable mounting brackets are available from Webasto. Using these, mounting is possible in just 30 minutes. The filtration systems only require a 12 Volt or 24 Volt connection. Filters are replaced with no risk of contamination.
The air filtration systems will be available in Europe from August via the Webasto dealer network.
Toyota New Cabin Safety Screen for UK Cab Drivers
Toyota has designed a cabin safety screen to help protect UK cab drivers and their passengers from coronavirus transmission while travelling. The lightweight, easy-fit system is the first to receive official approval from Transport for London (TfL), the licensing authority for the capital’s taxis.
Taxi and private hire car drivers constantly face the risk of infection, working in an enclosed space shared with members of the public. To help keep them safe, Toyota has produced a screen made from clear polycarbonate material that can reduce the chances of virus transmission.
Toyota hybrids are a popular choice for cab/private hire car operators, thanks to their fuel and emissions efficiency and proven hard-wearing quality and reliability. The new screens are suitable for (among others) all recent Prius models and the full Corolla range – Hatchback, Touring Sports and Saloon.
The new accessory has been tested to Toyota’s rigorous safety standards, including full deployment of the cabin airbags. Installation by Toyota-qualified technicians is required but only takes about 10 minutes. The process involves no structural changes and does not damage the car’s interior; the screen is held in place by large tabs on its lower edge that are inserted in the front seatback pockets. Testing showed that it remains securely fixed, even when driving at high speeds with the windows open.
The screen is clear and has a central opening flap for card or cash payments to be made. As well as being suitable for cabs, the system can also be used for demonstration vehicles and accompanied test drives.
Toyota liaised with TfL during the design process and the initial medium-size version is now TfL-approved as part of the requirements for its PCO licence holders. Approval is awaited for a version suitable for larger models, including the seven-seat Prius+ and RAV4 SUV. The screens are being made by Toyota Manufacturing UK and are available to order through Toyota retailers nationwide. Recommended retail prices, including VAT and fitting, are £195 for the medium screen and £210 for the larger version.
Rolls Royce Nanofleece Air Filtration
When developing the latest generation of pinnacle luxury products, Rolls-Royce engineers sought to elevate the exceptional air quality within its existing motor cars to unprecedented levels of purity. By using the latest sensor and Nanofleece filtration technology, the marque has created the cleanest micro environment available in any motor car, further complementing the sense of oasis created by the design and material substance of its interior environments.
The importance of protecting clients from harmful carbon and pollen particles, as well as viruses and bacterial contaminants, has been of the utmost importance to the marque and, since 2015, all Rolls-Royce motor cars have benefited from state-of-the-art air filtration equipment. For the new Ghost, which debuts in autumn 2020, this technology has been further developed to incorporate a full suite of hardware and software improvements, collectively known as the Micro Environment Purification System.
Highly sensitive Impurity Detection Sensors have been introduced to detect ambient air quality, automatically switching fresh air intakes to Recirculation Mode if unacceptable levels of airborne contaminants are present. This channels all cabin air through a Nanofleece filter, which is capable of removing nearly all ultra-fine particles, viruses and bacteria from the Rolls-Royce’s micro environment in less than two minutes.
Following the initial implementation of this technology, clients in future will be able to remotely pre-condition the micro environment within their Rolls-Royce via the vehicle’s app in preparation for their arrival.
Hyundai Supports COVID-19 Testing in Boyle Heights
Hyundai Hope On Wheels, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and its U.S. dealers, announced a $100,000 donation to open a COVID-19 testing center in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Boyle Heights. With this latest donation, the organization has provided $4.4 million in support of 23 COVID-19 testing centers across the country. To date, HHOW has enabled more than 730,000 COVID-19 tests.
“When the U.S. first began to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic in March, we knew testing would be our first line of defense,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “We are pleased to continue funding our testing strategy and support our neighbors in Boyle Heights who have been disproportionately affected by the novel coronavirus.”
Boyle Heights, a predominantly Latino community east of the LA River, is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) by the federal government. Two-thirds of the approximately 100,000 population lives 200% below the federal poverty level. The community is considered a coronavirus hotspot and is in critical need of expanded testing, education and contract tracing to support public health efforts to control the spread of the disease.
“We know that hardworking families in East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights are more likely to live in multigenerational housing conditions and are more likely to work in essential service jobs that increase their exposure to the coronavirus, which is why I am committed to expanding access to COVID-19 testing, healthcare, and other services for all people,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “This testing site is the result of a private-public partnership that aims to remove barriers to healthcare for our Eastside communities. I thank Hyundai Motor America and its U.S. dealers for their generous $100,000 donation that will help bring services to residents who get tested at our COVID-19 testing site in Boyle Heights. I am grateful for their commitment to expanding access to services and making sure all residents are safe and healthy.”
“The Patient Care Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Los Angeles County Medical Association is dedicated to improving access to healthcare services for vulnerable communities. We are proud to partner with Hyundai Motor America, Hyundai Hope On Wheels, TELACU, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, and Total Testing Solutions to provide needed COVID-19 testing to the community of Boyle Heights,” said Troy Elander, MD, Chair, Patient Care Foundation.
The Boyle Heights COVID-19 testing center is located at 1724 Pennsylvania Ave. in Los Angeles. Online reservations are available to the general public at covid19.lacounty.gov/testing.