Renaissance of Automotive Glazing on the Global Market Competition

To follow the car evolution on its dimensions: electronics, safety, performance, comfort and energy (ambient), the main worldwide glass makers, in order to be competitive, have been involved to satisfy the global need. But only few of them seem to be able to offer real solutions on vehicle which concerns all around visibility, more impact strength for front lateral window for safety, antenna for communication system, solar control for air conditioning energy saving, antireflecting and hydrorepellent coating and eventual easy to removal the bonded glasses for substitution and recycling. The paper will touch details for some innovative technology on glass, even as a prototype, nearly to be industrially developed to satisfy designers, car makers and customers and, to my opinion, this glass makers' effort and challenge can be considered a strong stream of the so called "renaissance" of the automotive glazing.

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