AGC Automotive Europe has announced it is supplying the sliding version of its light control glass roof as an option for the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 launched at the Geneva motor show earlier this month.

The laminated roof uses AGC’s so called ‘Wonderlite’ technology which can be switched from transparent to dark blue at the press of a button.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

It is the largest in its category, the supplier claims with area of 1.7 sq m compared with the 1.3 sq m fixed version, itself nearly three times larger than any comparable product offered by automakers.

Apart from its ability to slide open, the size increases the exclusive sensation of opening to the outside, whatever the conditions, while also making the driving environment considerably brighter.

AGC uses SPD (suspended particle devices) thin-film technology in the roof in which particles inside laminated glass become aligned when an electrical voltage is applied, making the glass structure transparent.

“[The roof] directly serves the ambition of offering maximum comfort to passengers in all new luxury models,” the supplier said in a statement.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The solar control layers are metal thin film coatings which, deposited on the glass surface, give it greater insulating and/or solar control properties which filter out ultraviolet radiations, helping to protect against sunburn and to prevent fading of the vehicle interior.

It also reflects infrared radiations, directly reducing the need for air conditioning, and also lowering fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This dual action operates both in transparent and in dark blue modes.

Jean-Marc Meunier, general manager of AGC Automotive Europe, said: “This innovation reinforces the group’s ambition and capacity to develop glass products with high added value for its automotive customers.”