AGC Automotive Europe, member of the world-leading glassmaker AGC, has announced that its light control glass Wonderlite has been selected for the Magic Sky Control panoramic glass roof available as an option for the new Mercedes-Benz S-class Coupé, which was released on the European and North American markets on September 27, 2014.

The Magic Sky Control glass roof equipped with Wonderlite is the world’s largest light control glass roof for automotive use that changes its color from transparent to dark blue just by pressing a button.

According to Jean-Marc Meunier, general manager of AGC Automotive Europe, “this innovation fits in perfectly with the AGC strategy of developing glass products with high added value for its automotive customers.”

Wonderlite, a SPD (Suspended Particle Devices)-based light control glass for vehicles, will contribute to increased comfort and energy savings of cars for the following features.

Covering an area three times larger than the existing product, the large-sized light control glass roof affords a unique open-air feeling whatever the outside conditions, and dramatically increases the lighting comfort inside the car.

Wonderlite used for the Magic Sky Control glass roof has been applied with special solar control coatings. The roof filters out sunburn-causing ultraviolet radiation and heat-producing infra-red radiations even in the transparent mode. Through the effective integration of its light control and special coating technologies, AGC provides drivers and passengers with an optimal driving environment and contributes directly to reducing the need for air-conditioning, thus lowering fuel consumption.

Based in Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium), AGC Automotive Europe is a member of AGC Glass Europe, which in turn is the European branch of AGC Group. The AGC Group, with Tokyo-based Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. at its core, is a world-leading supplier of flat, automotive and display glass, chemicals and other high-tech materials and components.

AGC Automotive Europe specializes in production of windows (OEM and replacement) for vehicle manufacturer. It also provides ready-to-assemble systems (fixation devices), higher value added functional systems (antennas, sensors, heating elements) and enhanced property glazing (improved thermal, sound and vision comfort).