Volkswagen is debuting a polycarbonate window in its limited production XL1 plug-in hybrid vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show being held March 7-17.
The XL1 features side windows that are two-component injection molded from Lexan PC supplied by Saudi Basic Industries Corp. The windows include Exatec plasma coating technology to give the glazing the same visual characteristics as standard glass windows as well as scratch resistance.
The polycarbonate provides a 33 percent weight reduction for the windows, according to Sabic.
“The Lexan plasma-coated windows from Sabic are one of many distinguishing features on the XL1 that help us lighten the vehicle to reduce energy consumption,” states Ulrich Hackenberg, a Volkswagen board member.
Last year Sabic announced with Japanese machinery supplier Ulvac Inc. the commercial availability of a machine for high-volume production of lightweight, plasma-coated PC glazing components. Ulvac Technologies Inc. is its U.S. subsidiary in Methuen, Mass.
About 1,000 XL1 vehicles will be made in Volkswagen's plant in Osnabruck, Germany.
Sabic has an office in Pittsfield, Mass.
Tel. 248-926-4219, email [email protected].