IntelliTint to Manufacture Automotive Windows and Sunroofs Using Research Frontiers' SPD-Smart Technology.Business Editors SHEFFIELD, England & WOODBURY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 6, 2003 With the support of various UK government agencies, Kerros Ltd. has acquired a license from Research Frontiers Incorporated (Nasdaq: REFR REFR Rare and Exotic Feline Registry ) to offer SPD-Smart(TM) windows and sunroofs to the automotive industry The automotive industry is the industry involved in the design, development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of motor vehicles. In 2006, more than 69 million motor vehicles, including cars and commercial vehicles were produced worldwide. using Research Frontiers' suspended particle device (SPD (Serial Presence Detect) The method used by DIMM memory modules to communicate their capacity and features to the computer. Data such as manufacturer, size, speed, voltage and row and column addresses are stored in an EEPROM chip on the module. ) light-control film technology. Kerros will offer these SPD-Smart windows and sunroofs through its newly-formed IntelliTint division, a reseller of high-end automotive products. The worldwide non-exclusive license covers automotive glass and plastic windows and sunroofs for both the retrofit ret·ro·fit v. ret·ro·fit·ted or ret·ro·fit, ret·ro·fit·ting, ret·ro·fits v.tr. 1. To provide (a jet, automobile, computer, or factory, for example) with parts, devices, or equipment not in automotive aftermarket Aftermarket See: Secondary market. aftermarket See secondary market. as well as for certain UK-based original equipment manufacturers. In an SPD-Smart product, such as a window, sunroof or other products utilizing this technology, the user can manually or automatically "tune" or adjust the amount of light, glare and heat coming into a vehicle. SPD-Smart window products increase individual comfort, while also offering greater privacy and security. SPD-Smart film technology was recently awarded a Best of What's New Award from Popular Science magazine for home technology and was also named by the Society of Automotive Engineers' Aerospace Engineering as one of the top new technologies for 2002. Additional information about SPD-Smart products can be found at www.SmartGlass.com. "During the past six months, we have studied the market for variable light control technology, as well as the various smart window technologies that have been attempted in both the architectural and automotive markets. Based upon its ability to bring the best performance at an acceptable cost, we have tremendous belief in the value of SPD-Smart technology. We will be focusing initially on the premium end of the marketplace," said Kevin Roberts Kevin Anthony Roberts (born 1949) has been the Chief Executive Officer Worldwide of the advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi since 1997. Roberts is a highly-regarded figure in the advertising industry due to his deep insight and creative mind. , IntelliTint's Managing Director. "The UK automotive components sector, which employs an estimated 150,000 people, is a GBP GBP In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the British Pound. Notes: The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. 12 billion annual market. In addition, the used car market is growing almost 50% more than the new car market and 7.58 million vehicles are changing hands in the UK alone. We see tremendous growth potential in this market." IntelliTint, through its SPD-Smart window products, expects to enhance comfort and functionality, and also to contribute to a reduction in car crime, which accounts for almost 25 percent of all crime in the UK. Thirty percent of car crimes involve the theft of items on display within the vehicle. Because of the privacy offered by the technology, SPD-Smart windows can help play a significant role in combating this problem. Further, IntelliTint's SPD-Smart windows can contribute to greater security. With the ability to combine SPD film with other laminates, SPD-Smart windows can be made impact and bullet-resistant, providing additional personal security to owners of these vehicles. IntelliTint has worked closely with various UK government agencies, including South Yorkshire South Yorkshire, former metropolitan county, N central England. Created in the 1974 local government reorganization, the county embraced the Sheffield conurbation and comprised four metropolitan districts: Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield. Business Link, the Manufacturing Advisory Service, Sheffield First for Investment and Rotherham Industrial Development Organisation, who have supported the company's efforts with respect to SPD light-control technology. IntelliTint, working with these agencies, has already identified several car manufacturers in the UK to offer these SPD-Smart windows as original equipment on their vehicles. IntelliTint will launch a significant marketing and publicity campaign in the UK starting in July when it will begin fitting SPD-Smart technology to prestige vehicles. About SPD Technology and Research Frontiers Incorporated Research Frontiers Incorporated (RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) High-frequency electromagnetic waves that emanate from electronic devices such as chips. RFI - Radio Frequency Interference ) develops and licenses suspended particle device (SPD) technology used in SPD-Smart(TM) light-control glass and plastic products. SPD technology, made possible by a flexible light-control film invented by RFI, allows the user to instantly and precisely control the shading of glass/plastic manually or automatically. SPD technology has numerous product applications, including: SPD-Smart(TM) windows, sunshades, skylights and interior partitions for homes and buildings; automotive windows, sunroofs, sun-visors, sunshades, rear-view mirrors rear-view mirror Noun a mirror on a motor vehicle enabling the driver to see the traffic behind rear-view mirror rear n (Aut) → rétroviseur m , instrument panels and navigation systems A GPS-based electronic system in a car or truck that provides a real time map of the vehicle's current location as well as step-by-step directions to a programmed destination. See GPS and vehicle tracking. ; aircraft windows; eyewear products; and flat panel displays A thin display screen for computer and TV usage. The first flat panels appeared on laptop computers in the mid-1980s, and the LCD technology became the standard. Stand-alone LCD screens became available for desktop computers in the mid-1990s and exceeded sales of CRTs for the first time for electronic products. SPD technology is covered by approximately 365 patents and patent applications held by RFI worldwide. Currently 24 companies are licensed to use RFI's patented SPD light-control technology in emulsions, film, or end products. Additional information about RFI and its licensees can be found at www.SmartGlass.com. Note: From time to time Research Frontiers Incorporated may issue forward-looking statements forward-looking statement A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections. which involve risks and uncertainties. This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could differ and are not guaranteed. Any forward-looking statements should be considered accordingly. SPD-Smart(TM), Powered by SPD(TM), The View of the Future - Everywhere You Look(TM) and Visit SmartGlass.com - to change your view of the world(TM) are trademarks of Research Frontiers Incorporated. |
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