BOS Automotive Acquires Rights From Research Frontiers to Make Variable Light Transmission Sunshades and Sunvisors

    STUTTGART, Germany and WOODBURY, N.Y.--Feb. 4, 2002--BOS GmbH & Co. KG has acquired a worldwide non-exclusive license from Research Frontiers Incorporated to manufacture and sell automotive sunshades and sunvisors using Research Frontiers' fast-responding suspended particle device (SPD) light-control film technology.
    With SPD-Smart(TM) sunshades and sunvisors, you can instantly and precisely control the amount of light and glare coming into a vehicle by adjusting the light transmission of the SPD film used in these products. Light and glare adjustment can be either automatic (using an ordinary photocell or other sensing device) or can be done by the driver or passengers manually by simply turning a knob.
    "Today's trend to use more glass per vehicle, with larger windows and roof glass, has the drawback of increased solar penetration. The sun beats directly on the driver and passengers and increases the temperature of the passenger compartment and its components," noted Mark Lobanoff, President & CEO of BOS Automotive Products, Inc. "Our focus groups, including one with a major automotive manufacturer, found that 85% of participants preferred automatic shading devices. BOS excels in developing innovative shading systems and we look forward to working with Research Frontiers and its other licensees to develop products which can provide practical and dynamic solutions to the problems of heat, light and glare control, and to make driving safer and more comfortable."

    About BOS GmbH and BOS Automotive Products, Inc

    Founded in 1910, BOS GmbH & Co. is the world's leading designer and manufacturer of restraining systems, luggage covers and sun protection systems for the automotive industry, and is an industry leader in specialty interior systems. BOS works worldwide with virtually every car manufacturer and system integrator, and is a Tier-I supplier to General Motors, Mercedes, BMW, and Isuzu. BOS presently supplies power rear sunshades for Mercedes, Lincoln, Buick and Cadillac, and has received recognition awards from DaimlerChrysler, GM, Toyota and Ford.
    BOS is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany with additional locations in Germany, the United States (Tennessee and Michigan), as well as in the United Kingdom, Hungary, and Korea. Additional information about BOS Automotive may be found on the Internet at http://www.bos.de.

    About SPD Technology and Research Frontiers Incorporated

    Research Frontiers is a technological leader in the development and licensing of suspended particle devices (SPDs)-electrically operated light-control devices using proprietary particle suspensions and films. SPD technology allows you to instantly and precisely control how clear or dark glass or plastic is, and adjust its light transmission by either turning a knob or having the device automatically adjust itself by means of a photocell or other sensing or control device. This is made possible by a thin flexible film which uses SPD light-control technology invented by Research Frontiers. In an SPD display, electronic drivers will selectively "address" (open and close) tiny segments of the SPD film. SPD technology is licensed to a growing number of companies in various industries, and is covered by approximately 365 patents and patent applications held by Research Frontiers worldwide.
    SPD technology has many applications, including "smart" windows and sunshades for homes and buildings, skylights and interior partitions. A smart window product using SPD film provides relief from glare or heat without blocking view, while also enabling privacy whenever desired, protection from UV damage, promotion of energy conservation, and other benefits. In automotive vehicles, SPD-Smart(TM) products can include windows, sunroofs, sunvisors, sunshades, rear-view mirrors, instrument panels and navigation systems. In aircraft, replacing existing window shades with SPD film can improve passenger satisfaction and comfort, while also reducing fuel consumption, maintenance, downtime and cost of operation. SPD eyewear products -- sunglasses, sport goggles such as ski goggles, and visors -- will continuously and instantly control glare to the degree needed. In the flat panel display industry, SPDs may be used to make brighter, easier-to-read screens in products such as laptop computers, cell phones, and handheld devices such as PDAs -- Personal Digital Assistants, with significant performance and cost advantages over current technologies. In advertising, promotion, and retail sales environments, SPDs offer display advertising advantages, bringing large, thin, flexible yet changeable displays to stores, store windows, point-of-purchase displays, billboards, truck sidings, road signs, and other signage applications.
    Research Frontiers has licensed the following companies to use its patented SPD light-control technology in emulsions, film, or end-products: AP Technoglass; Avery Dennison Corporation; BOS GmbH & Co. KG, Dainippon Ink and Chemicals Incorporated; Film Technologies International, Inc.; General Electric Company; Glaverbel, SA; Global Mirror GmbH & Co. KG (Lang-Mekra); Hankuk Glass Industries Inc.; Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.; InspecTech Aero Service, Inc.; N.V. Bekaert S.A.; Polaroid Corporation; and ThermoView Industries, Inc. Licensees of Research Frontiers who incorporate SPD technology into end products will pay Research Frontiers a royalty of 5-10% of net sales of licensed products under license agreements currently in effect. Research Frontiers' common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "REFR." Additional information about Research Frontiers and its licensees can be found on the Internet at http://www.refr-spd.com.

    Note: From time to time the Company may issue forward looking statements 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) and Powered by SPD(TM) are trademarks of Research Frontiers Incorporated.