All interior parts containing nickel are tested to ensure nickel leakage meets the high requirements set by Volvo.
Nickel allergy is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis in the industrialised world. It is estimated that about 15% of women and 5% of men - up to 120 million people in the industrialised world - suffer from a nickel allergy. Those allergic to nickel may get an itchy rash when their skin touches a metal surface with nickel alloy. For these people, it is essential to avoid contact with nickel containing metals. But nickel can be found in many everyday items; from coins to watch bands, from eye-glass frames to necklace clasps - and in components in car interiors.
However, Volvo Cars has a strict requirement that parts supplied for our car interiors fulfill our nickel standard. This means that for all interior components with metallic appearance, such as the door handle, gear lever, key, Volvo badge in the steering wheel and climate control buttons, nickel leakage has been minimised. This Volvo standard applies to our whole car range. The nickel containing parts have been covered with a plating free of nickel and they have all been tested to ensure nickel release fulfils the strict Volvo standard.
"At Volvo Cars, we have worked with our suppliers to reduce allergens in the passenger cabin. All textiles and leather are certified to Oeko-Tex Standard 100, and four models with 9 different cabin interiors have interior air that is recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association", says Andreas Andersson, responsible for clean car interiors at Volvo Cars.