A series showcasing Toyota's activities in non-automotive fields. This time, it's fragrances! ...Wait, perfume?
Crossing over from the “odor” side
On a summer day, the temperature inside a closed car can rise above 50 degrees. Such conditions are kryptonite for fragrances.
Kiriko Nakamura, Mobility Material Engineering Div.
We blend some 50 to 100 different components to create a scent, but some of these evaporate at high temperatures. We repeatedly tested our fragrances to make sure they would continue to satisfy customers even under harsh conditions.
Nakamura is an expert in organic chemistry and a pro at eliminating unpleasant odors to make car interiors more comfortable.
“I came to the team from the ‘offensive odor’ side. I’m very good at sniffing out the causes of bad smells,” she explained with a laugh while showing us around the testing genba or site.
In addition, multiple departments work together to test quality and safety, which includes ensuring that fragrances won’t catch fire, even under extreme conditions.
While handling administrative duties, Mami Kato had long been interested in fragrances, and became part of the team through the testing process. With a laugh, she told us she has “a good nose” for finding fun projects.
Mami Kato, Vehicle Engineering Development Div.
The blended components differ in their boiling points and adsorption rates. This changes the character of the aroma. The quality of the fragrance also varies greatly depending on the material you infuse, whether it is paper or ceramic. Achieving the right balance for in-car use was difficult.
After trialing 97 samples, the team finally perfected five fragrances that feature distinctly Japanese bamboo notes. They seem set to find their way into other Lexus models beyond the ES.
Smell-free spaces?
After sniffing all kinds of different scents during development, it’s important to give the nose a reset. The smell of coffee beans is commonly said to be effective, and apparently the scent of your own body—sniffing your arm, for example—also works well.
And while spaces completely free from smells may not exist, two locations stand out in this regard. Any guesses?
The answer: space, and the summits of high mountains, such as Everest.
To satisfy their craving for smells at high altitudes, some mountaineers even carry strongly scented items on their climbs. We also heard that our sense of smell is weaker in the evenings compared to mornings, and all kinds of other fascinating olfactory trivia!
Having dedicated themselves to exploring scents, the team members had many fascinating stories to tell. At one point while working on a prototype vehicle, they were unable to produce any fragrance at all.
“We were using bamboo material in the plastic fragrance cartridges, and the scent was overcome by the bamboo’s deodorizing properties,” the members recounted the comical episode. In a panic, they had rushed to adjust the compound.
Although more carmakers are now offering fragrances as part of the experience, very few around the world work hand-in-hand with perfumers to come up with original blends.
Toyota has also worked with perfumers from Swiss-based Givaudan, the world’s largest fragrance manufacturer, to develop products from scratch. Yet even these seasoned professionals had never before created blends specifically for car interiors. In this uncharted territory, they ran into numerous obstacles, each time coming away with new insights.
The challenge of creating new value for cars does not stop at scents.
The Lexus ES was the first model equipped with Sensory Concierge, which offers users all the comforts of their own living room by also appealing to senses beyond smell.
From illumination to music, multimedia videos, and climate control. These combine with elements such as the seats’ refresh function and heating to relax or invigorate passengers.
Cars are no longer just a means of transportation, but an extension of the home. Moving beyond traditional ideas, they will no doubt become ever-more entertaining. The future of mobility looks more exciting than ever!