FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
30 June 1999
NEW PRIMERA SEAT DESIGN THROWS UP CURE
FOR CAR SICKNESS
Car sickness is now far less likely, thanks to Nissan engineers who designed the seats in the new Primera.
By experimenting with the seat’s density, it has been possible to damp-out road noise that is known to cause nausea. Low frequency road noise, at around six hertz, causes the stomach to naturally resonate and feel queasy.
The discovery was made at Nissan’s European Technology Centre in Cranfield, Bedfordshire during a development programme to improve passenger comfort in the new car, which will go on sale in September.
John Saville was responsible for the seat design. He said: “We have ‘tuned’ the seats to absorb sound frequencies that cause car sickness, rather than allowing them to reach the passenger. We have spent over 6,500 man hours eradicating sources of noise, vibration and harshness, making new Primera a quieter, more relaxing environment at any speed.”
Special attention was also paid to reducing levels of noise that interfere with conversation and listening to music. On the motorway, the new Primera is now 45 per cent quieter than its predecessor.
New Primera seat design throws up cure for car sickness…2
Nissan European Technology Centre (NETC) gives Nissan’s vehicles sold in Europe a strong European appeal. It is a vital element of Nissan’s European success.
The 375-strong design and engineering staff are currently developing the next generation Nissan Almera, which will be built in Sunderland and a new recreational vehicle, which will be built in the company’s Barcelona plant.
NETC has a leading role in Nissan’s plans to design cars based on global platforms, further establishing itself as one of the organisation’s most influential design resources and retaining important skills in the region.
ends…
For further information, please contact:
Stewart McKee, Manager, Corporate Affairs 01923 899936
e-mail: stewart.mckee@nissan.co.uk
Frank Shepherd, Assistant, Corporate Affairs 01923 899935
e-mail: frank.shepherd@nissan.co.uk
24994/300699