Thursday, September 22, 2011

Mercedes-Benz Unveils Viano Vision Pearl Luxury Van Using SPD-SmartGlass Technology at 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 13, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Frankfurt International Auto Show -- Luxury auto manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is exhibiting its Viano Vision Pearl luxury concept van using
SPD-SmartGlass(TM) technology in Hall 2 at the 64th Frankfurt International Auto Show being held now through September 25, 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany.

The Viano Vision Pearl luxury van on display features SPD-SmartGlass technology in the three glass roof panels, the rear window, and four side windows. All of these glazings were supplied by Research Frontiers' (Nasdaq:REFR) licensee Isoclima S.p.A.

Mercedes-Benz' Viano Vision Pearl luxury van was recently showcased in a video from Mercedes-Benz Reporter. Additional videos of the SPD-SmartGlass operating in the Viano Vision Pearl at the Frankfurt Auto Show are available on Research Frontiers' website and on its YouTube channel.

The 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show marks the first time Mercedes-Benz has publicly exhibited automotive side windows or rear windows made using SPD light-control technology. These smart windows allow drivers and passengers to change the tint of their roof, rear and side windows from dark to clear instantly with the touch of a button. The use of SPD-SmartGlass technology in side and rear windows offers many benefits including enhanced privacy on-demand, improved security, and increased energy savings due to lower heat build-up within the vehicle.

Additional information about the Frankfurt International Auto Show is available from the event website.

More information about Isoclima S.p.A. is available from the company's website.

In February 2011, it was announced that after evaluating various technologies, Daimler AG has selected Research Frontiers' patented SPD-Smart(TM) light-control technology for one of its latest Mercedes-Benz innovations: the MAGIC SKY CONTROL panoramic all-glass roof. The Mercedes-Benz SLK, which is now available, is the first production vehicle to offer SPD-SmartGlass technology. In addition to the Viano, two different model SLKs with the MAGIC SKY CONTROL panoramic roofs were also on exhibit at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

SPD-SmartGlass technology enhances the driving experience and supports energy efficiency. Test data published by Mercedes-Benz show the ability of the panoramic roof on the SLK roadster to reduce sun exposure to 1/20th of direct exposure levels. When compared to conventional automotive glass, Mercedes-Benz reports that the use of SPD-SmartGlass on the roof of its SLK 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. Use of SPD-SmartGlass technology in the side and rear windows of the Viano Vision Pearl further contributes to passenger comfort and energy savings because more heat and light are blocked inside the vehicle, offering greater privacy and creating a home theater-like atmosphere inside the vehicle at the press of a button.

The automotive press has hailed the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK and its MAGIC SKY CONTROL sunroof with SPD-SmartGlass technology. Motor Trend magazine calls MAGIC SKY CONTROL the "killer app," "the very coolest part of the SLK," "amazing stuff" and "without question the highlight of the new SLK." Likewise, Car and Driver says "Being a Mercedes, the SLK will overflow with technology...but the coolest will be... MAGIC SKY CONTROL roof."

Joseph M. Harary, President of Research Frontiers, noted at the Frankfurt Auto Show: "Use of SPD-SmartGlass technology is expanding in the automotive industry. Mercedes-Benz was the first to introduce SPD-SmartGlass technology for a serial production vehicle, and now they have demonstrated further the many benefits that SPD-SmartGlass offers automobile manufacturers, designers and occupants by expanding the areas that SPD-SmartGlass is being used on the vehicle. Their general press conference earlier today was very well-attended by the international news media, and the lines to see their new Viano luxury van continued through the afternoon."

SPD-SmartGlass is the world's fastest-switching variably tintable dynamic glazing technology. It is the only dimmable window technology that gives users the ability to instantly and precisely control the level of shading to any point between very dark and clear. This provides exceptional control over solar energy while also adding to user comfort and protecting interiors. Available in both glass and lightweight polycarbonate substrates, SPD-Smart products -- windows, sunroofs, skylights, doors, partitions and more -- are laminated glazings that offer a distinctive combination of user well-being, energy efficiency and security. Controlled manually or automatically, they are available in custom sizes and fabrications for original equipment, new construction, replacement and retrofit projects.

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