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Laminated Glass Gaining Ground
 More than 40 production vehicles in 2007 have laminated glass in side and rear windows, as well as roof applications, as reported by the Enhanced Protective Glass Automotive Association (EPGAA). Laminated glass has become a mainstream technology in the automotive industry, appearing on 36 vehicle platforms in North America today, compared to three platforms worldwide five years ago.
Automakers and car buyers have trusted laminated glass in windshields for more than 70 years. In addition to windshield applications, laminated glass is being developed specifically for use in side and rear window, and roof applications.
Below is a list of 2007 production vehicles that offer laminated glass:
Production vehicles offering laminated glass as a standard feature:
Audi A8 Chevy TrailBlazer SS Maybach
Bentley Continental GT Chrysler Aspen Limited Mercedes S-Class
Buick Enclave GMC Envoy Denali Maserati Quatroporte
Buick LaCrosse Jaguar XJ Porsche 911 Targa
Buick Lucerne Land Rover LR3 Saab 9-7X
Buick Rainer Land Rover Range Rover Saturn Aura
Cadillac DTS Mercedes CL 550
Cadillac STS Mercedes GL
Production vehicles offering laminated glass as an optional feature:
Audi A4 Mercedes E-Class Volvo S-40
(Sedan & Wagon)
Audi A6 Mercedes M-Class Volvo S-60
Audi Q7 Mercedes R-Class Volvo S-80
Chevy Malibu Mercury Grand Marquis Volvo V-50
Chrysler Pacifica Porsche Cayenne Volvo V-70
Lexus LS 460 Subaru Forester Volvo XC70
Lexus LS 600 Subaru Outback Volvo XC90
Mercedes B-Class Volvo C-30 Volvo S-60
Click here for a link to a Ford Laminated Glass Settlement story.
Advantages to Laminated Glass:
Safety
In addition to meeting global automotive safety standards, laminated glass could help save up to 1,300 lives annually and reduce occupant ejection - according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Security
With a tough plastic interlayer between two glass panes, laminated glass significantly increases resistance to vehicle intrusion. The EPGAA states that compared to tempered glass, which can be shattered in about one-tenth of a second, laminated glass can protect the vehicle and the objects within for about 30 seconds - enough time to deter most would-be thieves.
Sound Reduction
The interlayer in laminated glass helps provide protection from outside wind and road noises, keeping the car interior quieter and more comfortable. This benefit allows automakers to offer consumers a vehicle with additional value without significantly increasing the cost of the vehicle. Acoustic studies note that laminated glass reduces interior noise by three to four decibels, allowing for better conversation and use of entertainment equipment.
Thermal
Vehicles equipped with laminated glass can easily add infrared (IR) coatings to block IR heat energy. Testing has shown when vehicles equipped with these coatings are parked in the sun with the windows closed, the laminated glass reduces the effects of solar heat on the vehicle. Test results prove the interior of the vehicle can be up to 18 degrees F cooler than if the side windows were equipped with untreated tempered glass.
Ultraviolet
Comprehensive testing conducted by the EPGAA proves that cars with laminated glass can protect passengers from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which have been associated with skin cancer. The testing has found that laminated glass screens up to 98 percent of damaging UV rays, providing UV protection equivalent to 50+ SPF sunscreen, compared to tempered glass which only blocks up to 66 percent.
In addition to protecting skin, the blocking of UV light by laminated glass provides protection to the interior of vehicles. Laminated glass minimizes the effects of UV rays in causing interior vehicle fabric colors to fade and degrade, leather to age, and plastic and wood to crack.
About the EPGAA
The Enhanced Protective Glass Automotive Association (EPGAA) is composed of laminate and glass providers to provide information and overall education on the development of laminated glass for added vehicle security, occupant comfort and safety. Currently, DuPont Automotive; Glasstech, Inc.; Guardian Industries Corp.; PPG Industries, Inc.; Saint-Gobain Sekurit; Sekisui America Corporation and Solutia Automotive are members of the EPGAA. For more information on the EPGAA, visit www.epgaa.com. This is a good research resource for laminated glass issues.
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LSSLC, LLC provides the information in this newsletter for general guidance only, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice or professional consulting of any kind. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation.
The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.
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