Nissan has developed a self-cleaning prototype which it claims could make car washes obsolete.
A Nissan spokesman said: "Washing a car can be a chore and a costly one at that. In response, Nissan has begun tests on innovative paint technology that repels mud, rain and everyday dirt, meaning drivers may never have to clean their car again."
Super-hydrophobic and oleophobic paint, which repels water and oils, is being trialled on its new Note model.
Nissan says it is the first car maker to apply the technology, called Ultra-Ever Dry, on automotive bodywork. By creating a protective layer of air between the paint and environment, it effectively stops standing water and road spray from creating dirty marks on the car’s surface.
The company says that the coating has responded well to common use cases including rain, spray, frost, sleet and standing water.
There are no plans for the technology to be applied as standard, but Nissan says it will consider the coating technology as an aftermarket option, which would probably cost about £450.
Geraldine Ingham, chief marketing manager for Nissan Note, commented: "We are committed to addressing everyday problems our customers face and will always consider testing exciting, cutting edge technology."
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