By Keri Algar

SYDNEY, NSW: The familiar smell of a car’s leather seats could be a thing of the past if Sharp’s Ion Generator makes it on the market.

It is promoted to eliminate unpleasant lingering odours like cigarette smoke, wet dog hair and musty car smells, but the Car Ion Generator (IGBC2) will also remove the scent of a woman’s perfume – not altogether bad for those cloying perfumes.

Perhaps more important for the health conscious is the machine’s alleged ability to reduce airborne viruses, allergens, microbes and mould. The Plasmacluster Ion technology works by emitting positive and negative ions to purify the air. It is meant to deactivate suspended airborne mould, viruses, dust mite allergens and bacteria whilst eradicating a wide range of odours.

Sharp’s technology has been tested by thirteen institutions including the Harvard School of Public Health, Retroscreen Virology Ltd (UK), Seoul University, and the Asthma Society.

Sharp will not be releasing the product until the end of November or early December and is still gathering feedback from market studies to determine the RRP. A spokesperson for Sharp estimated the Ion Generator will sell for approximately RRP $220 - $250.

The Ion Generator has a low and high operation mode, comes equipped with a car power adapter and has a six year lifespan. It can fit conveniently into a cup holder and is noiseless.

The machine could prove helpful for those fearful of catching winter colds from fellow car commuters.