If you’re like most vehicle owners, auto glass isn’t exactly top of mind. But you might be surprised to know that by 2026, the auto glass industry is expected to reach 23 billion in market value, largely due to new developments and trends in glass technology and manufacturing.
What’s happening with auto glass in 2022? Let’s take a look!
Stronger Glass
Manufacturers have been making stronger auto glass for a few years now, but only in the last couple of years has super-tough auto glass grown in popularity. Gorilla Glass windshields, which feature a lighter, thinner, and tougher layer of interior glass than conventional windshields, are now being offered as original equipment on several late-model vehicles.
Ford F-150 trucks, several Porsche models, Jeep Wranglers, and McLarens can all come equipped with this super-tough glass straight from the manufacturer.
Smart Glass With Embedded Technology
Smart glass has been around for a few years, too, but in 2022, its implementation in vehicles has increased significantly, but only in luxury automobiles like Mercedes Benz and McLaren. Currently, researchers are working to make the technology more mainstream, so more vehicles at a wide range of price points can have smart features.
What kind of smart technology are we looking at? Highly useful features include:
● Automated, switchable, tinted windshield films made from SPD, which block 99% of incoming light while maintaining transparency for safe vehicle operation
● Adjustable light-blocking technology in sunroofs and moonroofs
● Image projection, which can display fuel levels, text messages, speed, temperature, and even entertainment on the side(s) of the windshield
● Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which relies on cameras and sensors in or near the glass that detect movement and other variables both inside and outside the vehicle
Larger Vehicle Windows
From sunroofs and moonroofs to side windows, rear windows, and windshields, vehicle manufacturers have been gradually increasing the size of their windows for years. Today, the average vehicle contains roughly 50 square feet of glass in total — nearly twice the amount of auto glass contained in the average vehicle just 30 years ago.
This increase in size is especially true of windshields, primarily because larger windshields provide better visibility on the road. But overhead windows have also reached panorama status, as have rear windows, which means the cost to replace these windows is getting larger, too.
Only 1 Auto Glass: The Most Trusted Independent Auto Glass Company in the Twin Cities
When you need auto glass repairs or replacement in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro, you can trust our team at Only 1 Auto Glass to deliver a top-notch job every time. Our installers are certified by the Auto Glass Safety Council; our team has over 200 years of combined experience, and we have multiple shop locations throughout the metro area to make service as simple and quick as possible.
To get a repair or replacement quote or schedule an appointment, feel free to give us a call at 651-789-1111 or request a free estimate online, and we’ll contact you promptly with additional info.