Photo: Catalin Garmacea
Yes, we know - talking about a perfume dispenser on Dacia models may sound like we're early with the April's Fools' news and yet Renault's low-cost brand is currently evaluating the option.
We spoke to a Dacia insider who has confirmed for autoevolution that the company is analyzing the possibility of integrating a perfume dispenser in the climate control system.
If we remember Dacia's revamp story began about fifteen years ago with the promise of an EUR 5,000 car, it's not difficult to understand why the business case behind such a comfort feature is not easy to build.
Still, there are two main arguments for us to have low-cost cars with cabins that spoil our olfactory sense.
First of all, Renault has already developed the technology. Most people think of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class when hearing about a cabin perfume dispenser, but the Germans only upgraded the package and wrapped it nicely, they didn't introduce it.
For example, the Renault Latitude or the all-electric Renault Zoe offer active scent diffusers. The cartridge is placed on the center stack (Latitude) or on the passenger's side of the dash (Zoe), not in the glovebox, as in the case of the S-Class. The system uses a small dedicated air vent placed right above the perfume cartridge. The photos bellow show the system on both of the aforementioned models.
The company brags about the climate control feature on the aforementioned models also employing an air ioniser based on Samsung technology. It is explained that this can destroy harmful bacteria, as well as to generate negative ions and thus restore the balance with the positive ions - the latter can be found in a high concentration in enclosed spaces. Don't expect Dacia to offer this one though.
Secondly, a simple glance at the second-generation Logan's features, for instance, reveals somebody at Renault wanted to prove a fancy point. We have this model aiming for the "most affordable car" title and yet the hood has a strut, not a stick, while the list of options includes a touch-screen infotainment display (Renault's R-Link, as shown on the Logan dashboard image above).
Dacia models are also sold under the Renault, Nissan or Lada badges, depending on the part of the world they're destined for. We are not aware of the scale intended for this project, but we're assuming it's a big one. The problem is that, regardless of the market, many consider these models should sell themselves thanks to the price, rather than depending on trained sales personnel who lures the clientele by presenting the various features.
Just like Dacia borrowed the R-Link infotainment system from Renault, it could also up the ante on the climate control front. But the road to scent control for the masses is not an easy one.
If we remember Dacia's revamp story began about fifteen years ago with the promise of an EUR 5,000 car, it's not difficult to understand why the business case behind such a comfort feature is not easy to build.
Still, there are two main arguments for us to have low-cost cars with cabins that spoil our olfactory sense.
First of all, Renault has already developed the technology. Most people think of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class when hearing about a cabin perfume dispenser, but the Germans only upgraded the package and wrapped it nicely, they didn't introduce it.
For example, the Renault Latitude or the all-electric Renault Zoe offer active scent diffusers. The cartridge is placed on the center stack (Latitude) or on the passenger's side of the dash (Zoe), not in the glovebox, as in the case of the S-Class. The system uses a small dedicated air vent placed right above the perfume cartridge. The photos bellow show the system on both of the aforementioned models.
The company brags about the climate control feature on the aforementioned models also employing an air ioniser based on Samsung technology. It is explained that this can destroy harmful bacteria, as well as to generate negative ions and thus restore the balance with the positive ions - the latter can be found in a high concentration in enclosed spaces. Don't expect Dacia to offer this one though.
Secondly, a simple glance at the second-generation Logan's features, for instance, reveals somebody at Renault wanted to prove a fancy point. We have this model aiming for the "most affordable car" title and yet the hood has a strut, not a stick, while the list of options includes a touch-screen infotainment display (Renault's R-Link, as shown on the Logan dashboard image above).
Dacia models are also sold under the Renault, Nissan or Lada badges, depending on the part of the world they're destined for. We are not aware of the scale intended for this project, but we're assuming it's a big one. The problem is that, regardless of the market, many consider these models should sell themselves thanks to the price, rather than depending on trained sales personnel who lures the clientele by presenting the various features.
Just like Dacia borrowed the R-Link infotainment system from Renault, it could also up the ante on the climate control front. But the road to scent control for the masses is not an easy one.
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