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Nissan's ‘Self-Cleaning’ Car Prototype [video]

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Re: Nissan's ‘Self-Cleaning’ Car Prototype [video]

#11

Post by matthewmacleod »

lukasm wrote: post #5

OK I've seen a dozens of different products like this. First time 8 years ago. Why are they not in production yet? Why can't I buy it in shop? Is it highly toxic or just works for a year? #confused

You can actually purchase Rust-Oleum's NeverWet in stores now: http://www.rustoleum.com/en/product-catalog/consumer-brands/...

It's not perfect - limited lifetime etc., but there are ways around that (re-applying annually?).

In general though, the reason you haven't seen these much is that it just takes a while to get from the lab to market!

Re: Nissan's ‘Self-Cleaning’ Car Prototype [video]

#12

Post by kawsper »

lukasm wrote: post #5

OK I've seen a dozens of different products like this. First time 8 years ago. Why are they not in production yet? Why can't I buy it in shop? Is it highly toxic or just works for a year? #confused

There has been some concerns about carbon nanotubes could have asbestos-like properties [1] if not handled properly.

Maybe that could be part of the reason?

[1] http://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/0113/130115-chemistr...

Re: Nissan's ‘Self-Cleaning’ Car Prototype [video]

#13

Post by kristiandupont »

I'm assuming this is made with nanotechnology similar to Neverwet. I haven't looked properly into it but I remember reading that there is suspicion that nanotubes might be dangerous like asbestos. Imagine cars with this coating crashing, sending dust of that stuff into the air..

Re: Nissan's ‘Self-Cleaning’ Car Prototype [video]

#15

Post by oliwary »

matthewmacleod wrote: post #11
lukasm wrote: post #5

OK I've seen a dozens of different products like this. First time 8 years ago. Why are they not in production yet? Why can't I buy it in shop? Is it highly toxic or just works for a year? #confused

You can actually purchase Rust-Oleum's NeverWet in stores now: http://www.rustoleum.com/en/product-catalog/consumer-brands/... It's not perfect - limited lifetime etc., but there are ways around that (re-applying annually?). In general though, the reason you haven't seen these much is that it just takes a while to get from the lab to market!

Here is a t-shirt that is available to preorder and has similar features. It says the effects will hold for "up to 80 wash cycles".

http://silicshirts.com

Re: Nissan's ‘Self-Cleaning’ Car Prototype [video]

#16

Post by josho »

I see this as an interesting business lesson for startups, but even more general.

First, what a great marketing angle, a self-cleaning car, how cool is that! I imagine 6 o'clock news stations across the country showing clips from this video tonight.

Second, what a great up-sell opportunity. Now every oil change service done by Nissan can include a new $50 charge (or whatever the market will bear) for re-applying the self-cleaning paint.

Third, could they even push an environmental angle? Ie. litres/gallons of water saved by not going through a car wash?

So, with one new feature Nissan has gained free marketing, and an incremental revenue source for their dealers. Not bad for a mature market.

Re: Nissan's ‘Self-Cleaning’ Car Prototype [video]

#18

Post by nitrogen »

kawsper wrote: post #12
lukasm wrote: post #5

OK I've seen a dozens of different products like this. First time 8 years ago. Why are they not in production yet? Why can't I buy it in shop? Is it highly toxic or just works for a year? #confused

There has been some concerns about carbon nanotubes could have asbestos-like properties [1] if not handled properly. Maybe that could be part of the reason? [1] http://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/0113/130115-chemistr...

Wouldn't carbon be easier to decompose than a mineral fiber?

Re: Nissan's ‘Self-Cleaning’ Car Prototype [video]

#20

Post by leorocky »

RIP car washes! Wow and that self cleaning paint action, I just had to see it. At this point I just think a ban on wired.com is called for on HN. Whatever nice discussions we've had from wired is probably not offset by the constant shit from this domain. I know I've sung this tune before.
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