DETROIT, April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), PPG and other leading automotive suppliers presented research findings today at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress that Sungate EP automotive glass significantly reduced the transmission of solar energy into a vehicle, keeping the interior cooler and improving fuel economy.
According to the NREL study, Sungate EP glazing can reduce front seat temperatures 15 degrees Celsius (27 F) and air-breath temperatures 9 degrees Celsius (16 F). This reduces air conditioner workload, along with fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Sungate EP automotive glass is an advanced version of the original infrared (IR) reflective Sungate windshield. Previous research showed drivers could save up to 4 percent, or $66, in annual fuel costs using the Sungate windshield, which is featured on several current Mercedes-Benz and BMW models.
"Sungate windshields reduce the initial workload on a vehicle's air conditioning system, which represents the biggest use of power for climate control," said Mukesh Rustagi, PPG global product market manager. "Because the air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard, fuel efficiency increases, emissions decrease and consumers experience a cooler vehicle on entry."
Rustagi said concerns about gasoline prices and global warming have made consumers more aware of vehicles' fuel efficiency and emissions output, so a Sungate windshield benefits the environment, consumers' pocketbooks and automakers trying to satisfy consumer preferences.
Sungate windshield technology also will help automakers meet the tougher emissions and fuel economy requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) revised Supplemental Federal Test Procedure (SFTP), Rustagi said, without compromising vehicle affordability, safety or performance.
"Consumers are seeking technologies that improve their experience with their vehicles and help them save money and be environmentally responsible," Rustagi said. "In the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 U.S. Automotive Emerging Technologies Study, nearly three-fourths of respondents were interested in having advanced solar-reflective windshields on their next new vehicles, and the Sungate windshield from PPG helps automakers fulfill that consumer interest."
About PPG
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, chemicals, optical products, specialty materials, glass and fiber glass. The company employs more than 30,000 people and has 125 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates in more than 20 countries. Sales in 2006 were $11 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York and Philadelphia stock exchanges . For more information, visit http://www.ppg.com.
Sungate is a trademark of PPG Industries.