Automotive Glazing: Issues and Trends

Key current issues and future trends in automotive glazing were identified through extensive interviews of global OEM and supplier engineers. Although the performance of tempered glass has significantly improved, application of laminated glass to side and rear windows is expected to increase globally. Plastic, most notably polycarbonate (PC), glazing is also under development although the material technology has not reached a level for mass application. Incorporating multiple features and functions into glazing is another important technology development area. Needs and acceptance as to new materials and technologies vary by the automaker and the geographic market.