Berlin, Germany, March 21, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On March 27, 2019 Research Frontiers CEO, Joseph M. Harary, will present the benefits of SPD-SmartGlass to the Automotive Industry at the Automotive Glazing Summit in Berlin, Germany. In addition to this presentation, two automotive manufacturers and some of the largest Tier-1 suppliers to the automotive industry are also scheduled to present at this summit discussing the functional benefits of automotive glass.

Mr. Harary’s address will focus on a real-world analysis of the use, benefits and reliability of SPD-SmartGlass in automotive and other glazings. SPD-SmartGlass technology, which allows users to instantly vary the tint of glass or plastic, is currently being used in the automotive, aircraft, marine, architectural, museum and consumer electronics industries. Some of the benefits include significant heat reduction inside the vehicle (by up to 18ºF/10ºC), UV protection, glare control, reduced noise and reduced fuel consumption. Independent calculations also show that use of SPD-SmartGlass can reduce CO₂ emissions by four grams per kilometer, and increase the driving range of electric vehicles by approximately 5.5 percent.

Joe Harary, President and CEO of Research Frontiers, noted: “This presentation comes at time when the adoption of our SPD-SmartGlass light-control technology in the automotive industry is accelerating. Last week it was announced that McLaren Automotive had adopted SPD-SmartGlass for use in the sunroofs of two of their models in serial production which were on display at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this month. Separately, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, two additional electric vehicles were introduced using SPD-SmartGlass, and additional automotive OEMs are expected to use SPD-SmartGlass for cars in serial production beginning next year.”

For years, SPD-SmartGlass has demonstrated its performance and reliability on various models from Daimler. The MAGIC SKY CONTROL feature, which is now in use on tens of thousands of Mercedes-Benz SLs, SLKs, SLCs, Maybach and S-Class models around the world, uses patented SPD-SmartGlass technology developed by Research Frontiers to turn the roof transparent by electrically aligning tiny particles in a thin film within the glass. With the touch of a button, drivers and passengers can instantly change the tint of their roof to help keep out harsh sunlight and heat, and create an open-air feeling even when the sunroof is closed. Glass or plastic using Research Frontiers’ patented SPD-SmartGlass technology effectively blocks UV and infrared rays in both clear and darkly tinted modes, helping keep the cabin cooler, and protecting passengers and interiors. These benefits become even more important when a car uses large surface areas of glass, especially in warm climates.

SPD-Smart technology has proven itself in many aspects, from durability and performance, to sales. Before putting cars into serial production, Mercedes-Benz put the MAGIC SKY CONTROL roof using SPD-SmartGlass technology through rigorous durability and performance testing in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth. This included testing in the arctic cold of Scandinavia (with temperatures below -22ºF/-30ºC) and the blistering desert heat of Death Valley, California (with temperatures exceeding 122ºF/50ºC). MAGIC SKY CONTROL blocks over 99% of harmful UV radiation and substantially reduces heat inside the vehicle. Test data published by Mercedes-Benz shows the ability of the roof to reduce sun exposure to 1/20th of direct exposure levels (from over 1,000 watts/square meter to less than 50 watts/square meter). When compared to conventional automotive glass, Mercedes-Benz reported that the use of SPD-SmartGlass significantly reduces the temperature inside the vehicle by up to 18ºF/10ºC. This increases passenger comfort and reduces air conditioning loads, thereby saving fuel and reducing CO₂ emissions.

Mr. Harary also noted: “At the Automotive Glazing Summit, we will be discussing the proven durability, reliability, performance and benefits of SPD-SmartGlass technology. After undergoing rigorous accelerated and real-life testing, it has been used on cars in serial production now since 2011 without even one reported problem. In other industries such as general aviation, our technology has been in use since 2001, and in commercial aviation by airlines since 2008. Each industry has its own unique performance and durability requirements and SPD-SmartGlass has time and time again proven itself in the real world in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth.”

The Qepler Automotive Glazing Summit next week is a B2B event that will focus on the latest market and technological developments and industry trends. The event is attended by CEO’s, CTO’s, directors, project managers and engineers involved with the automotive industry including automotive manufacturing, glass manufacturing, roof and windshield systems.

About Research Frontiers Inc.

Research Frontiers (Nasdaq: REFR) is a publicly traded technology company and the developer of patented SPD-Smart light-control film technology which allows users to instantly, precisely and uniformly control the shading of glass or plastic products, either manually or automatically. Research Frontiers has licensed its smart glass technology to over 40 companies that include well known chemical, material science and glass companies. Products using Research Frontiers’ smart glass technology are being used in tens of thousands of cars, aircraft, yachts, trains, homes, offices, museums and other buildings. For more information, please visit our website at www.SmartGlass.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

For further information about SPD-Smart light-control technology, please contact:

Joseph M. Harary
President & CEO
Research Frontiers Inc.
+1-516-364-1902
Info@SmartGlass.com

Note: Note: This press release contains forward-looking statements, including estimates and predictions based upon information currently available to Research Frontiers. Actual results, especially those reliant on activities by third parties, could differ and are not guaranteed. Any forward-looking statements should be considered accordingly. Research Frontiers undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release. "SPD-Smart" and “SPD-SmartGlass” are trademarks of Research Frontiers Inc. “MAGIC SKY CONTROL” and car model designations Mercedes-Benz,SL, SLK, SLC,Maybach and S-Class are trademarks of Daimler AG.