AGC is to establish a specialist production plant at AGC Automotive (Suzhou) Inc, China, for the purpose of producing large 3D/complex-shaped cover glass for car-mounted displays. The facilities will feature a fully-integrated production line, equipped with the latest technologies, that handles every stage of the process from optical thin coating to decorative printing and composite moulding of complex curved surfaces. Commercial sales will begin in 2022 for several vehicle models whose orders have already been secured.

Due to major changes in the automotive industry, including autonomous driving, electrification and connected technology, vehicle cockpits are expected to continue adopting innovative, dynamic design as they evolve into a digital lounge. Driven by this trend, car-mounted display cover glass is expected to increase in size, shape complexity and functionality, while at the same time, safe design is becoming a key demand as sizes increase. Together with two existing plants in Japan, the establishment of a Chinese plant secures a framework that will enable the company to provide high quality glass on a global level. AGC also plans to establish a development centre specialising in new design and high functionality at its Keihin plant in Japan, in order to realise a system able to adapt flexibly to future changes in cockpit design.