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The model for Life Cycle Climate Protection [LCCP] that has been developed under the guidance of the Interior Climate Control Committee has been expanded to consider global regions and the impact of vehicle populations in each region. As part of this project, there have been discussions concerning the impact of relative perceived comfort by the different world regions and how this might be comprehended in the model. The model uses an A/C on percentage for each region based on a comfort model developed by NREL [National Renewable Energy Lab]. Some have questioned if this is correct for all regions, as perceived comfort may be different in each region. In order to obtain actual comparison data on the different acceptable occupant comfort level requirements, the SAE Interior Climate Control Standards Committee conducted a mini-ride to evaluate perceived comfort by evaluation team members from different global regions.

The designer of mobile air–conditioning systems must consider the total vehicle in order to provide occupant comfort. An effective refrigerant circuit is only one portion of the vehicle “Comfort System” and without the system's ability to deliver adequate cooling it will not meet the consumer's expectations. A significant considered is the design of the vehicle's body, including the panel outlets and the extent of window glazing surfaces. The location of the panel outlets to provide the occupant's adequate and controllable system airflow for changing weather conditions is a major factor in achieving comfort. Window glazing locations and areas have a major effect on increasing the air–conditioning thermal load by allowing direct solar radiation into the vehicle. Unfortunately, the styling of the vehicle dictates these areas and these constraints very often result in the customer having an air–conditioning system that provides an unsatisfactory level of performance.