Days Numbered for New Car Smell

TOKYO-October 3, 2005 - That new car smell could be going the way of leaded gasoline.

Japanese automakers are producing cars that don't have the characteristic fresh-from-the-showroom odor.

Researchers in Japan say that unmistakable new car smell is actually a toxic cocktail of harmful chemicals.

The Japanese government has guidelines on reducing cabin concentrations of the fumes.

Ford and GM say they're studying the issue.

(Copyright 2005 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)