The stylish and charismatic Kuga is the seventh Ford model to receive the certificate, joining the Ka, Focus (including the Coupé-Cabriolet), C-MAX, S-MAX, Galaxy and Mondeo. Ford vehicles are the first in the world to have passed these stringent TÜV standards. The Kuga goes on sale this summer.

"An increasing number of consumers want allergy-friendly products. We regard it as our responsibility to meet that requirement by offering vehicles that address the growing concerns about allergies," said Dr Wolfgang Schneider, Vice President, Governmental and Environmental Affairs, Ford of Europe.

"For that reason, we are very proud that the new Kuga crossover has joined the expanding list of Ford models to have received the TÜV organization's "Allergy Tested Interior" Seal of Approval," he added.

The TÜV certification assures that a car's interior materials have been selected to minimise the allergy risk to the lowest possible level. The TÜV is an independent, authoritative German testing and assessment organisation that controls and certifies quality standards for industrial and consumer products.

An extensive series of scientifically verifiable tests was carried out on the new Kuga, in accordance with strict TÜV examination procedures. More than 100 materials and components were tested for harmful substances and allergy-causing potential. In addition, all components likely to have direct and prolonged skin contact, such as the steering wheel and seat covers, floor mats and seat belts, were dermatologically-tested.

To achieve certification standards, Ford development engineers working on the Kuga interior avoided using - or reduced to a minimum – materials such as latex, chrome and nickel, which can provoke allergic reactions in some people.

Additionally, the Kuga is equipped with a high-performance pollen filter, which was also tested by the TÜV. The filter effectively prevents pollen – a particular concern for allergy sufferers – from entering the vehicle’s interior.

The Kuga is Ford of Europe's first entry into the highly competitive crossover market and has been engineered for class-leading on-road driving dynamics and surprising off-road capabilities. The model's allergy-tested interior provides yet another attraction for potential buyers.