Research Frontiers’ SPD-SmartGlass Makes BMW’s Newest Concept Active Tourer “Cool”

This vehicle’s entire composite glass roof uses patented SPD-SmartGlass technology from Research Frontiers Inc. (Nasdaq: REFR).



SPD-Smart technology is a film-based light-control technology that allows you to instantly change the tint of glass or plastic from clear to dark or anything in between. This can be done automatically or at the touch of a button. SPD-Smart technology also blocks over 99% of harmful UV radiation and allows users to control the heat, light and glare entering vehicles, aircraft, buildings and boats.



The “Cool Shade” panoramic roof feature using SPD-SmartGlass technology was noted, along with the vehicle’s other innovative features, in BMW’s official press release today:



"Cool Shade" panorama roof: changes spatial feel and temperature at the press of a button.



An innovative panorama sunroof creates a unique ambience, extending across the entire roof surface of the BMW Concept Active Tourer. The composite glass roof with innovative Suspended Particle Device (SPD) technology means that the desired brightness or temperature effect can be created at the press of an electric button - either being darkened to the level of powerful sunglasses or raised to crystal clear brightness. Occupants can achieve a special lighting effect by manually adding a large-area leaf structure design to the glass roof. Electrical impulses cause the molecular structure of the glass to change at continuously varying levels between light and dark according to preference. The play of light and shadow thus created highlights the sense of space, thereby generating a pleasantly atmospheric lighting effect on all seats.



Joseph M. Harary, President and CEO of Research Frontiers, invited the automotive industry to join him and BMW at the Paris Motor Show to experience the many design, engineering and energy-saving benefits of SPD-SmartGlass, and noted: “Over the past year, automakers representing 78% of the world’s volume production of premium cars have either introduced concept vehicles or serial production vehicles using our SPD-SmartGlass technology. Every day, thousands of people press a button and control our SPD-SmartGlass, making it the highest-performing and best-selling smart glass in the world. The BMW Concept Active Tourer gives BMW customers a sneak peak at some of the innovative features that they can expect from driving a BMW.”