Carmakers are uniting in the fight against Covid-19 by developing technology that helps stop the spread of the virus. Jaguar Land Rover, for example, is utilizing Panasonic's Nanoe X technology to create cabin air purification technology that can kill Covid.

But while this technology is still a prototype, Honda is already selling a cabin air filter that can capture harmful germs and viruses including Covid-19 to protect people who haven't been vaccinated yet. Developed in collaboration with Freudenberg, Honda's premium cabin air filter is available as a new Honda genuine spare part and can replace the standard pollen filter.

Honda's premium cabin air filter features a unique four-layer design that "effectively filters, captures and suppresses noxious environmental gases as well as inorganic and biological particles and aerosols."

The first two microfiber layers can trap dust and pollen while the third activated carbon layer can absorb harmful particulates and acid gases. A fourth layer coated with fruit extract then exterminates these viral aerosols and prevents them from contaminating the cabin air. Honda claims its innovative air filter can trap more than 90 percent viral aerosols and inactivates almost 100 percent of them including Covid-19.

"As society is now more aware than even of the impact of germs and viruses such as Covid-19, we expect the demand for protective solutions to increase rapidly. This premium cabin air filter is a great example of Honda working together rapidly with its suppliers to deliver a product of real benefit that improves the health and safety of driver and occupants," said Eiichi Hino, President of Honda Access Europe.

In Europe, Honda's premium cabin air filter is compatible with all recent models such as the Civic, Accord, and CR-V and can be installed at local dealers. Honda hasn't yet announced if it will be available in the US.