Automotive Futures

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

We’ve reached a pivotal intersection in the auto industry where analog meets digital, form meets function, and integrated design creates unique opportunities for today’s innovators. Your vehicle is more than just a mode of transportation: it’s a form of self-expression that provides comfort and demands customization. It’s “game on” for the auto industry as major trends like connectivity, autonomy, car sharing, and electrification, known commonly by the acronym “CASE,” are demanding seismic change from decades- and even centuries-old technologies.

It’s time to reinvent the wheel — this time with one of the oldest materials known to man: Glass.

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY TRENDS

CONNECTIVITY

Vehicles that provide the driver and passengers with infotainment and access to the Internet of Things, offering new possibilities for comfort and connectivity.

AUTONOMY

Vehicles that use sensor and computing technologies to make “smart” decisions on behalf of the driver. In the very near future, even the driver will become a passenger.

SHARED

With ride sharing, vehicles are shared among many different people and are viewed more as a service than a product. This new subscription-type service is ushering in a world of new market entrants and new business models.

ELECTRIFICATION

Vehicles are shifting to hybrids and EVs with electric-based propulsion systems, making for a quieter, more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Only a material like technical glass is versatile enough to address the challenges and opportunities that come with these trends. With more glass comes more form and even more function for the next generation of driving experiences.

TRANSFORMING YOUR DRIVING EXPERIENCE

Visualization

Transparent Displays

With a swipe, pinch, or tap, your car’s windows will light up to match your digital lifestyle. These next-gen displays will help you gauge your battery or fuel level, check the weather forecast, and even entertain the kids with a movie, whether you’re in autonomous mode or not.

Enhanced Space

Functionality & Comfort

Pristine windows and all-glass roofs will keep you engaged with the outside world, while a quick swipe will create a more intimate environment with dynamic tinting. Your autonomous vehicle will be more of a living room or office space than a car, and beautiful glass surfaces will enable easy customization of displays and settings for added comfort and control. All this to make sure driving doesn’t distract you from your day-to-day life.

The Smart Car

Smarter Experiences

Your car will know your name and your preferred settings, from the position of the driver’s seat and mirrors to your favorite radio station, which pops up immediately on the sleek pillar-to-pillar dashboard display. This new virtual personal assistant is akin to the one you already use every day on your smartphone, making your vehicle an extension of you.

Communication

Inter- & Intra-Vehicle Communication

Robust telecommunications networks enabled by glass optical fiber will let your vehicle communicate with you, as well as other drivers and vehicles on the road. This ushers in new opportunities for real-time communication among drivers and potential passengers, and between autonomous vehicles.