According to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), technology is reinventing the world of driving. While auto glass trends may not be the first thing you think to research, the future of transportation is directly linked to auto glass. Here’s what is and will be trending for the year ahead of us. 

What’s in store for 2023?

Some things will never change. The glass used on your vehicle has safety as its foundational design feature. Auto glass has to be optically clear, selectively transmit light, strong and structurally rugged to provide support, as well as light to maximize fuel efficiency. These things we can count to always remain at the heart of auto glass trends. 

Let’s look at the three main areas of evolution we see. 

Technology 

Smart Glass

Electric, automated, and autonomous cars and trucks are all in high demand from the passenger vehicle sector. Along with these types of vehicles come features such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). While ADAS systems are showing up in more vehicles, manufacturers are working to make this even more accessible.  

Additionally, auto-dimming properties will become available allowing one to optimize the driving experience by manipulating natural light, lighting load, and cooling and heating load.

Connected 

We live in an age of connectivity. Connectivity regarding your vehicle involves being wirelessly linked to the outside world via the Internet of Things (IoT). Connectivity offers popular features such as in-car navigation, access to Wi-Fi hotspots, and vehicle diagnostics and maintenance.  

The sensors located around your vehicle and within your windshield are a detrimental part of connectivity that keeps your car and you safe. 

Projection 

One trend seen on many concept cars is large expanses of glass that will be host to projected vehicle information. Rather than the large screens present in new models of automobiles, auto glass will take its place, simplifying the interior of the vehicle by creating digital windshield alerts.

Apple Homekit 

Soon, you can control the safety and security of your home features with the added convenience of doing it right from your vehicle. Apple Homekit makes accessing these features on the go even easier. 

Security and Safety 

Side Glazing

As projected by Transparency Market Research, the automotive glass industry is expected to meet the demands in the overall auto industry for increased safety. One way to do this is with “side glazing,” referring to the panes of glass constructed in your side car windows. The more panes of glass you have, the better insulated your window is. This will increase the amount of glass used per vehicle. 

Stronger Auto Glass

“Lighter, thinner, and much more durable automotive windshield and window glass, for a world-class driving experience,” touts Corning Gorilla Glass. Gorilla Glass is redefining the traditional soda-lime glass practices with a hybrid glazing construction. 

This rugged glass alternative boasting greater resistance to chips and cracks is showing up in late-model vehicles like JK Jeep Wrangler SUVs, Ford F-150 and GT, Porsche, and McLaren as original equipment. 

Photochromic Properties 

Photochromic properties are materials that show a reversible change in color through the action of light (electromagnetic radiation). Photochromic glass can darken down to 22% transmittance in sunlight and become nearly clear indoors, transmitting 85% of visible light. These advanced glasses considerably reduce the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 

Engulfing Glass

Increased Visibility

Over the years, the growing trend has been the newer the car, the larger the windows. The average vehicle today has around 50 square feet of glass in total. With panoramic sunroofs and moonroofs gaining popularity, we can count on this trend to continue. 

This increase in size is especially beneficial when it comes to the size of your windshield, as a larger windshield provides more visibility.  

Battery Charging

Larger overhead auto glass with rooftop solar panels also can be seen to charge electric vehicle batteries, smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This adds electric power while parked or on the go. 

Staying Current and Looking Forward. 

Auto glass repair and replacement are a necessity in the past, present, and future. With the future of the automotive industry making auto glass even more critical, you want to ensure you find auto glass experts you can trust. 

MobileTech Auto Glass stays current on developing tech and safety. We work on all cars, so if you need an auto glass repair or replacement, give us a call today!

Get in touch: 1-480-207-6952 or get a quote online.