The Chinese automaker Geely Auto announced its new compact SUV model, which has an aero device capable of preventing bacteria and viruses, such as Covid-19, from reaching the cabin to fight the coronavirus outbreak, which has led to 95,000 infected patients and over 3,000 world-wide deaths.
“In response to the new Coronavirus epidemic, Geely Auto developed in record time a new Intelligent Air Purification System (IAPS) that is N95 certified. This highly efficient air purification system works in tandem with the Icon’s air conditioner to isolate and eliminate harmful elements in the cabin air including bacteria and viruses,” said the company in a press release.
The Icon SUV was launched online on February 24 and reportedly has received 30,000 pre-orders before the official launch, as per the parent company of Volvo and Lotus brands.
Geely had pledged to spend $53m on combating the virus. The N95 standard has the ability to block at least 95% of very small (0.3 microns) particles. However, coronavirus particles often measure less than this, so its effectiveness still needs to be gauged.
The Icon SUV is based on a concept that the Chinese company showed at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show, and is offered in petrol and hybrid setups.
