micronAir®-Cabin Air Filters –20 Years of Ongoing Success Story

Already at the beginning of the ‘80s the first dust filters for cars were developed by the Freudenberg Group. During the middle of that decade this invention met with increasing interest from automotive manufacturers. In 1989, 20 years ago, the first development project for a series was completed, and the first micronAir^® cabin air filters were delivered to Mercedes-Benz for the new Roadster SL.

The excitement for this product idea had been great from the start. Now it was necessary to do some real pioneering work. In order to answer many technological questions, it was necessary to develop suitable measuring techniques and appropriate test rigs. They allowed air quantities and air flows to be optimized.  The micronAir^® cabin air filters were also tested with regard to temperatures and temperature changes. The optimal location of the filters within the ventilation system and their lifespan were further questions which needed answering.

Very shortly after the first serial launch of the micronAir^®-filters, Volkswagen, Audi and BMW followed suit, initially offering them as optional equipment. The new product had finally reached maturity in the autumn of 1991. Another major automotive manufacturer, Opel, had decided to opt for the innovative filter: the new Astra was the first big car series to be equipped with micronAir^®-cabin air filters. Today more than half of all new cars are fitted with micronAir^®-cabin air filters. Freudenberg is therefore the world’s leading original equipment supplier of cabin air filters.

 

Cabin Air Filters as Safety Feature

Nowadays the importance of a filter for the comfort and the safety of passengers is universally recognised. The cabin air filter ensures that the ventilation, and in particular the air conditioning, function optimally. Especially during the wet season, it keeps the windows from misting up. A micronAir^® cabin air filter also protects from fine dust and dirt which could enter the lungs, and also protects allergy sufferers from pollen. However, the cabin air filter has to be replaced every 15,000 kilometers in order for it to function properly.

 

CORTECO, the specialist for the independent aftermarket of the Freudenberg Group, supplies independent workshops with micronAir^®-cabin air filters in Freudenberg original equipment quality. CORTECO cabin air filters are designed to suit the respective vehicle model and are clearly laid out in a new catalogue. They fit perfectly and their installation is quick and easy. CORTECO offers more than 600 filters, suitable for 732 vehicle models, out of what is Europe’s most comprehensive product portfolio of cabin air filters for the independent aftermarket, and therefore plays a major role in the success story of micronAir^® cabin air filters.

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