This one is a biggie

California to mandate IR reflective glass on vehicles

That would hurt nationwide, auto manu's aren't going to make specific glass just for Cali., but they would most likely use it on every vehicle coming out of the plant.

So they are saying that our tinting services will no longer be needed in the next few years ?

"California-based Southwall Technologies (OTCBB:SWTX) manufactures heat reflective XIR film, which is an attractive, off-the-shelf solution designed to meet all aspects of the mandated glass performance. Automotive glass manufacturers can use XIR film to immediately produce IR reflective glass that meets the new regulations without the need to make large capital investments in glass coating equipment."


Looks like they are trying to push film and not actual glass coating Sounds like someone did some serious lobbying. I don't see why our IR reflective films wouldnt work to do the same job.

Not only that, but from the way I read it the glass will still be clear.....so people who want sun blockage and privacy will still be knocking on our doors. Plus there not going to retrofit old cars or anything.

Let's hope so..if the glass is still clear (and to me..it's the only way to make all the states / provinces happy) then it wont affect the industry hardly at all I wouldn't think

Do you think the auto manny's won't realize it may be cheaper to implement an ir absorbing property in their glass rather than pay installers to meet federal regulations...

This may be so that they are ready. If they cant meet launch dates when the law takes effect, then they may have to use a film based technology at first.

At first, possibly if they aren't ready, then Cali. shops will hammer them with $$$, and they'll be lookin for a cheaper way

The glass will have to be darker to meet efficiency standard. Then it crosses paths with state window tinting laws in CA's case that would be the NET 70 law. Which law is gonna be amended to accommodate the other?




Auto glass manny's already laminate film into their glass. That means aftermarket gets cut out.




They already do use film based tech.

I find it hard to believe they would put laminated glass in a civic How many laminated glass autos do we tint anyway? Lots! And I meant that they at first would have to use an "applied" film at first, not a "laminated glass" film.

CA has some of the strictest emission standards and the auto manny's are forced to comply. Lami glass would be no different and could be implemented very quickly on new vehicles. Look at the time frame that they want to do this in, it is doable... all of the technology is in place.

I agree with You V, I'm just saying there is lots of variables. Even if its a 70% film laminate, I dont think We, as an industry, would lose too much in the form of aftermarket film installations. People always want it darker!

Just have to find a new way to bs the customer. Tell them the heat rejection is minimial or that you can even double the heat rejection now by adding film on top of this new technology. Still this doesn't look good for us. Future may not be so bright

well that sucks but i'm glad i'm not in that state....glad i'm in florida.......

(vkool/huper) southwall technologies paid some lobbyist to push for this, they are going to make bank$$$$.
anybody know if they're a publicly traded co., i'd like to by some stock.
actually, if you buy their films you should have a piece of the cake. your going to lose $$$$, this will continue towards flat glass.

It's already happening in FG

yes the company has been publicly traded since 1987 buy it up.

i would say about 80% of tint my tint business is based on how the customer wants the car to look, then being happy about the fact that it blocks out heat.