Ford Strengthens Leadership In Allergy Friendly Car Interiors
Published: 29th April 2006
Allergies are on the rise, a fact that becomes evident this time of year to millions of people who suffer from breathing difficulties. So it's not by accident that the United Nations is calling attention to World Asthma Day on May 2.
With the all new Ford S-MAX and new Galaxy models, Ford of Europe now offers two further vehicles to the increasing number of consumers looking for allergy friendly products. Following the Ford Focus and Focus C-MAX, the new S-MAX and Galaxy are the third and forth vehicles worldwide that have been certified by the German TÜV organization to minimise the allergy risk to the lowest possible level.
"Ford Motor Company takes the impact of allergies seriously. We are leading the industry in providing car interiors that are certified as allergy friendly," said Dr Wolfgang Schneider, vice president, governmental and environmental affairs, Ford of Europe.
"The positive public response to our initiative confirms that we are on the right track. We aim to get as many as possible existing and future vehicle models certified to these TÜV standards - and this at no extra costs for our customers," he added.
The TÜV is an independent, authoritative German testing and assessment organisation that controls and certifies quality standards for industrial and consumer products. An extensive series of scientifically verifiable tests was carried out on the S-MAX and Galaxy, as on the Focus and Focus C-MAX earlier, in accordance with strict TÜV examination procedures. More than 100 materials and components were tested for harmful substances and allergy causing potential. Additionally, all components likely to have direct and prolonged skin contact such as the steering wheel and seat covers, floor mats and seat belts were also dermatologically tested.
Ford development engineers decided to avoid using in these vehicles materials such as latex, chrome and nickel that can provoke allergic reactions in some people. Additionally, the vehicles are equipped with a high-performance pollen filter, which was also tested by the TÜV. The filter effectively prevents pollen - a particular concern for allergy sufferers - from entering the vehicle’s interior.
In the UK, the new Ford S-MAX and the Galaxy have achieved the British Allergy Foundation’s "Seal of Approval," further confirming that the vehicles are "allergy friendly." The Focus and Focus C-MAX are similarly certified.
Ford S-MAX
Our Ford S-MAX Guide lists the full specification of the current UK S-MAX range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £19,190 - £28,745
Body Style:
Fuel:
/ 
Models in the range: 20
We have road tested the Ford S-MAX, to read our in-depth car review:
Ford S-MAX Review - Nov 2006
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 19th May 2009
