FUTURE JAGUAR LAND ROVER MODELS COULD HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF SUPERBUGS

27 March 2019

The car of the future could help win the battle against superbugs – according to Jaguar Land Rover.
Future models could help stop the spread of colds and flu thanks to innovative ultraviolet light technology (UV‑C) borrowed from the medical industry, where it has been used for more than 70 years.

  • Using a type of ultraviolet light, Jaguar Land Rover believes it could help to stop the spread of bacteria and harmful viruses
  • Future ventilation systems could neutralise pathogens which cause infections
  • UV‑C technology can help stop the spread of cold and flu, while reducing the transmission of major superbugs by up to 30%*
  • Jaguar Land Rover is exploring a wide range of driver and passenger wellbeing features as it works towards a self‑driving future
  • Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Steve Iley believes cars can play a part in preventative healthcare in an age of shared mobility

Thursday 27th March 2019, Whitley: The car of the future could help win the battle against superbugs – according to Jaguar Land Rover.

Future models could help stop the spread of colds and flu thanks to innovative ultraviolet light technology (UV‑C) borrowed from the medical industry, where it has been used for more than 70 years.

By integrating UV‑C, Jaguar Land Rover believes it could help to stop bacteria and harmful viruses, known as pathogens, from surviving in the cabin. UV‑C is currently widely used for disinfecting water, filtering air and sterilising surfaces by utilising wavelengths of light between 200 – 280 nanometres.

Exposing pathogens to UV‑C within the air conditioning system breaks down the molecular structure of the DNA, neutralising them. Clean air is then released into the cabin. The technology could even help in the fight against drug‑resistant superbugs.  

Jaguar Land Rover is exploring UV‑C technology as part of its vision to create a tranquil sanctuary inside each of its luxury vehicles. The manufacturer is piloting a wide range of driver and passenger wellbeing features, as it looks towards a self‑driving future.

“The average motorist spends as much as 300 hours per year behind the wheel. There is a clear opportunity to better utilise cars for administering preventative healthcare.”

“The implementation of individual wellbeing measures as part of our ‘tranquil sanctuary’ research promises to not only improve quality of life for our customers but in this case, offers clear advantages in reducing pathogen spread – protecting the overall population from the threat of disease; particularly as we move towards shared mobility solutions.”

Dr. Steve Iley
Jaguar Land Rover Chief Medical Officer

Jaguar Land Rover is already actively seeking to neutralise pathogens in its latest generation Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, available across the range including the all‑electric Jaguar I‑PACE and Range Rover Sport. The current Four‑zone Climate Control and Cabin Air Ionisation system works by using high voltage to create trillions of nano‑sized negatively charged particles (ions) coated in water molecules. These ions deactivate pathogens, forming larger particles which are removed from the air as they are brought back into the filter. As well as combatting pathogens, the ions also act upon odour molecules and allergens in a similar way.

“In the colder months infections are spread more easily, it’s reassuring to know that in your car at least, you can be confident that harmful pathogens are being neutralised.”

Dr. Steve Iley
Jaguar Land Rover Chief Medical Officer

Recent medical trials* suggest the use of UV‑C could be even more effective as it has been shown to cut the transmission of four major superbugs by up to 30%. Researchers focused on four drug‑resistant organisms: MRSA, vancomycin‑resistant enterococci (VRE), C. difficile and Acinetobacter.

“The rise of superbugs and allergens is one of the largest threats we face as a species today. Investment in immunology is vital in ensuring that our immune systems stay ahead of the race against microorganisms, which are evolving far quicker than traditional pharmaceuticals can keep pace with. It is important that we continue to take an innovative look at how we can adapt our environment to help prevent the spread of the most harmful pathogens ‑ which is why this research is paramount.”

Immunology Expert, Dr. Hellmut Münch
CEO at Medical Enzyme Research Association

Further information

*https://tru‑d.com/from‑duke‑health‑uvc‑light‑helps‑hospitals‑fight‑drug‑resistant‑superbugs/

 

For more information visit www.media.jaguarlandrover.com or contact:

Gemma Lusty

Global Technology and Innovation Press Officer

T: +44 (0)7823 374 321

E: glusty@jaguarlandrover.com

Notes to Editors

About Jaguar Land Rover

Jaguar Land Rover is the UK’s largest automotive manufacturer, built around two iconic British car brands: Land Rover, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium all‑wheel‑drive vehicles; and Jaguar, one of the world’s premier luxury sports saloon and sports car marques.

At Jaguar Land Rover, we are driven by a desire to deliver class‑leading vehicles, which will provide experiences our customers will love, for life. Our products are in demand around the globe. In 2018 Jaguar Land Rover sold 592,708 vehicles in 128 countries.

We support around 260,000 people through our retailer network, suppliers and local businesses. At heart we are a British company, with two major design and engineering sites, three vehicle manufacturing facilities and an engine manufacturing centre in the UK. We also have plants in China, Brazil, India, Austria and Slovakia.  

From 2020 all new Jaguar Land Rover vehicles will offer the option of electrification, giving our customers even more choice. We will introduce a portfolio of electrified products across our model range, embracing fully electric, plug‑in hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles as well as continuing to offer the latest diesel and petrol engines.