Silence Noisy Green Vehicles through Glazing
As the world moves toward a more eco-friendly environment, vehicles designed to use alternative fuels continue to have NVH issues that can add to driver fatigue and deteriorate the perceived quality of the vehicle.
Volatile oil prices and a tightening world economy have automakers and consumers focused on fuel consumption. Consumers demand increased fuel efficiency from their vehicles, but are reluctant to sacrifice comfort and quality in the bargain. Therefore, the demand for diesel and hybrid vehicles is on the rise.
Saflex® Q series advanced acoustic interlayer supports the trend for "eco-friendly" vehicles, providing additional comfort and perceived quiet to passengers, and addresses the specific noise concerns linked with these advanced technologies. In addition, with the acoustic benefit Saflex Q series brings to a windshield, the glass thickness of the windshield can be reduced, reducing vehicle weight. An expert at multi-tasking, windshields and side lams made with Saflex Q series acoustic interlayer:
- Save up to 10.9 kilograms of weight per vehicle*
- Create a fuel savings of 12 liters per vehicle per year*
- Reduce CO2 emissions by 29.1 kilograms per vehicle per year*
- Provide a significant reduction in interior cabin noise and creates a quiet and comfortable environment for passengers that they equate with a high-quality vehicle – up to 6 decibels with the acoustic windshield and up to 8 decibels with the acoustic windshield and acoustic side laminates
Hybrids, which tend to run quieter than traditional gas-powered engines, do have a noise problem: The loud noise that occurs when the engine shifts from electric mode to gas power. Saflex Q series acoustic interlayer, when used in the windshield will make the transition between the two modes much quieter by reducing the Z-Loudness by 3 sones.
While hybrids are the new kids on the block, fuel-efficient diesel-powered vehicles are making a strong comeback. Yet, the new clean diesels operate at a noise level higher than internal combustion engines. And engine noise, in part, is transmitted through the windshield, which is the weak point in the noise path.
By using Saflex Q series acoustic interlayer in the windshield, OEMs will make their diesel vehicle as quiet as their equivalent gas baseline, offering an "Eco-Friendly" vehicle without compromising on comfort.
Customers equate quiet with quality. This perception becomes increasingly important as we move to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Consumers are demanding the same amenities in their smaller vehicles they enjoy in the vehicles they currently drive. As a result, passenger comfort gains a new level of importance for OEMs. And, acoustic benefits are essential to passenger comfort as well as consumers' perception of overall vehicle quality.
*Based on average vehicle weight of 2,200kgs/3,520lbs with average vehicle mileage of 24,000kms/15,000 miles
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