1. What important trends do you think are currently shaping the development of the automotive glass industry?
Uli Vennedey: "We are currently witnessing some exciting developments in our industry. One important trend is the increasing demand for individualisation and differentiation. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are looking for unique glass designs, coatings and functionalities to enhance both aesthetics and user experience. Innovations such as advanced head-up displays and embedded lighting are becoming increasingly popular.
Autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) require highly developed glass solutions that are compatible with modern camera and LiDAR systems. Another important trend is switchable, intelligent glass that controls the penetration of sound, light and heat through the glazing to improve interior comfort.
The topics of sustainability and the circular economy should also be considered. Although practical implementation is still limited, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are increasingly investigating the use of environmentally friendly materials and processes, such as recycled glass, low-carbon manufacturing, and energy-efficient production methods.
2. What significance does the IAA Mobility platform hold in terms of promoting innovative ideas and collaborations?
Uli Vennedey: 'The IAA MOBILITY is very important to us. As a central hub for new mobility, it gives AGC Automotive Europe a strategic opportunity to showcase market-ready innovations and stay ahead in the fast-paced automotive glass industry.
The trade fair provides the perfect platform for showcasing and exploring the latest trends in automotive design and technology. The valuable insights gained here enable us to precisely tailor our product strategy product offer to the needs of the market. The trade fair also offers the opportunity for direct dialogue with OEMs. This enables us to gather valuable feedback that contributes to refining our product strategy and to assess our offerings with those of our competitors and identify areas in which we differ.
3. At the IAA MOBILITY, which practical applications and collaborations do you think will be highlighted?
Uli Vennedey: 'Such events generate many opportunities for partnerships. We regularly meet various stakeholders in our ecosystem, and these relationships extend beyond car manufacturers. We are already in discussions, particularly regarding our cockpit displays and sensor solutions, and the IAA will provide an opportunity to continue these. We aim to build synergetic partnerships with leading suppliers in the electronics and solar industries to develop innovative solutions together.
4. Which projects will AGC Automotive be presenting at IAA MOBILITY?
Uli Vennedey: All of the innovations that we are showcasing are solutions for future mobility. We are presenting Wideye, our unique glass developed for the efficient, reliable and aesthetically pleasing integration of optical sensors, such as LiDAR and cameras, in any position on the vehicle."
With two demonstrations of our newly developed head-up displays, the cockpit will take centre stage. This technology is becoming an essential feature of modern vehicles as it projects important information directly into the driver's field of view. We will demonstrate two potential projection surfaces: the black band of the windshield and a Reflective Blade, an elegant, freestanding glass panel.
The Digital Curtain™ Wonderlite® Dx Black is a glass that can be switched from full transparency to an opaque tint in a second, providing a clear view or ultimate privacy or on demand.
Finally, we will be presenting our panoramic solar roof, which has solar cells embedded between two sheets of glass. Using solar radiation, the car produces electricity while driving or when parked, which can be used to charge the battery.
5. In what ways can IAA MOBILITY contribute to making sustainable technologies and approaches accessible to the public?
Uli Vennedey: 'The IAA MOBILITY attracts not only industry professionals, but also consumers. We can use this platform to demonstrate how AGC's innovations help to make vehicles more environmentally friendly, safer and more comfortable.
This enables us to align our solutions with key trends such as e-mobility, autonomous driving and smart cities, all of which are vital for achieving sustainable mobility. We demonstrate how AGC's glass solutions can improve the efficiency of electric vehicles, for instance by providing solar control coatings to reduce energy consumption.
Participation in IAA MOBILITY allows AGC to present itself as a pioneer of sustainable innovation, while also making its technologies and approaches accessible to a broader audience.
6. One final question: How do you collaborate with car manufacturers and suppliers to bring innovations to the road more quickly?
Uli Vennedey: Firstly, we work with OEMs and suppliers through joint development programs. We collaborate with OEMs and suppliers on R&D projects to co-develop innovative glass solutions. We provide support for prototyping and trials to ensure the feasibility and performance of new technologies in real-life conditions.
Secondly, we get involved in the early stages of vehicle design to integrate innovative and customised glass solutions that meet specific OEM requirements, such as acoustic performance and thermal insulation.
Thirdly, we showcase our latest technologies and demonstrate their potential application in the vehicle by organising innovation days and collaborating on concept vehicles.
Fourthly, with regard to sustainability and compliance, we collaborate with OEMs to implement sustainable glass technologies, offering our expertise in automotive standards and regulations to facilitate the seamless integration of new technologies.
Fifthly, we share our market insights and trends with OEMs to help them align their innovations with end-user expectations.
Sixthly, we establish strategic partnerships: We establish long-term collaborations with OEMs and suppliers to foster trust and sustainable innovation pipelines. To accelerate the pace of innovation, we also explore co-investment opportunities in new technologies or production facilities.
About AGC Automotive Europe
AGC Automotive Europe is the European automotive glass subsidiary of the AGC Group. The Tokyo-based AGC Inc., at the core of the AGC Group, is a leading global supplier of flat, automotive and display glass, chemicals, and other high-tech materials and components. AGC Automotive Europe specialises in producing windows and ready-to-assemble systems for vehicle manufacturers. Through our innovative glass technologies, we are actively shaping the transformation of the automotive industry, setting new standards in terms of safety, comfort, and sustainability. We invest in researching and developing new mobility solutions (such as displays, antennas and sensors) for the automotive sector, thereby consolidating our position as an industry-leading innovator.
Further information can be found at www.agc-automotive.com and www.iaa2025.agc-automotive.website
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