The latest in Chrysler's limited-production series of Dream Cruiser vehicles, the 2004 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 3 uses Solextra glass to complement its midnight blue and bright silver two-tone paint scheme. The driver and passenger windows will use lighter aquamarine-colored Solextra vision glass, while the rear side windows and rear window will use darker blue-colored Solextra privacy glass.
"We are very excited Solextra glass is being used to help differentiate the Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 3," said Paul M. Eichenberg, North American marketing manager for PPG automotive OEM glass. "We expect other manufacturers to follow suit in the constant effort to create unique-looking cars for extra consumer appeal."
Many concept cars use the VistaGray, Solargreen, Optibronze and Solextra colored glasses manufactured by PPG, Eichenberg said, and Mercedes-Benz has offered Solextra glass as part of an option package in recent years. "Consumers in the luxury and limited-edition markets want the look and flash of color," he said.
The aquamarine and blue colors of Solextra glass result from a chemistry that makes it the best solar-absorbing uncoated automotive glass available. The glass absorbs ultraviolet and infrared energy to improve passenger comfort, protect interior materials and reduce air conditioner load for improved fuel efficiency.
Pittsburgh-based PPG is the largest manufacturer of automotive glass for original-equipment and replacement applications in North America and the leading maker of transportation coatings worldwide. Additionally, PPG Industries is a global supplier of flat glass; architectural, packaging and industrial coatings; fiber glass; and commodity and specialty chemicals, with 113 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates in 23 countries. Sales were US$8.1 billion in 2002.
Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 3 Features Solextra Glass by PPG
The Chrysler Groups' newest PT Dream Cruiser features Solextra blue-tinted automotive original equipment glass by PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) in the first North American use of colored glass as standard equipment for aesthetic value in a production vehicle.