Solutia Introduces Saflex(R) Q Series Advanced Acoustic Interlayer for Automotive Head Up Display Applications

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Solutia Inc. (NYSE: SOA), the world leader in the production and sale of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers, today announced the introduction of its Saflex® Q series advanced acoustic product for automotive head up display (HUD) windshield applications.  This next-generation technology provides significant weight saving benefits to automakers while delivering hi-tech display and acoustic comfort to consumers.  The HUD console is featured as an option on the 2010 Buick® Lacrosse, which was recently named as a finalist for the 2010 North American Car of the Year awards and is on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan this week.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081029/AQW096LOGO)

A driver's reaction time is delayed when they take their eyes off the road, even if only briefly. In an emergency braking situation the result can be an increase in braking distance. A HUD system utilizes the optical combining characteristics of the Saflex HUD interlayer to provide a single focused virtual image appearing near the front of the vehicle. The HUD display enhances the overall driving experience by allowing drivers to keep their 'eyes on the road' while still viewing critical vehicle data, such as speedometer readings and GPS directions.

"Saflex Q series acoustic technology for HUD windshield applications is a light-weight, cost-effective, acoustic solution, that provides the ability to achieve the highest quality HUD projected image available today," said Wing Kwang, global automotive business director for Solutia's Saflex business.  "It continues to deliver all the benefits that designers have come to expect from our first generation Saflex HUD products, while reducing the transmission of road and wind noise, as well as structure-borne noise, into the passenger cabin of vehicles." Saflex Q series HUD interlayer was independently developed by Saflex, a unit of Solutia, and represents a significant advancement in the field of acoustic HUD PVB technology.  

In today's market, consumers are demanding quality from every purchase.  For automakers, a quieter vehicle cabin that incorporates hi-tech features can demonstrate desired value to buyers.  Add increased fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions to the package and you have Saflex Q series acoustic interlayer for HUD applications – which helps today's automotive engineers tackle glazing challenges with one solution.  Automakers can achieve significant weight savings by converting a standard windshield to an acoustic windshield with Saflex® Q series advanced acoustic technology. This is a result of the ability to use thinner glazing configurations, thereby reducing the weight of the glass, without affecting acoustic performance and passenger comfort. For example, standard windshields in North America consist of inner and outer glass panes that are each 2.1mm in thickness. When Saflex Q series technology is used, the inner pane can be reduced to 1.6mm -- reducing the windshield weight by 3.8 pounds.  In fact, transmitted cabin noise is reduced by 3dB through the windshield, and an additional 5dB can be achieved when tempered sidelites are replaced with laminated glass made with Saflex Q series acoustic PVB.  

About Saflex®, a unit of Solutia Inc. With 80 years of experience in developing glazing interlayers, Saflex is the world's largest producer and seller of PVB interlayers, and is known as the global leader in quality and reliability.  When laminated between layers of glass, Saflex interlayers greatly enhance the performance characteristics of glass, providing benefits such as security, solar protection, sound attenuation and safety. For more information, visit www.saflex.com .

Corporate Profile

Solutia is a market-leading performance materials and specialty chemicals company.  The company focuses on providing solutions for a better life through a range of products, including: Saflex® interlayer for laminated glass; CPFilms® aftermarket window films sold under the LLumar® brand and others; and technical specialties including the Flexsys® family of chemicals for the rubber industry, Skydrol® aviation hydraulic fluid and Therminol® heat transfer fluid.  Solutia's businesses are world leaders in each of their market segments.  With its headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, the company operates globally with approximately 3,100 employees in more than 60 locations.  More information is available at www.Solutia.com .

SOURCE Solutia Inc.