Solutia Automotive Announces First Global Use of Advanced Acoustic Interlayer

Buick Rainier first to use Vanceva(TM) Quiet for superior noise reduction

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., May 7 -- Solutia Automotive, leading supplier of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer products for glass to the automotive industry, announced today that Vanceva(TM) Quiet, its advanced acoustic interlayer, is being used in the Rainier, Buick's newest offering in the luxury SUV market. The announcement was made at the Society of Automotive Engineers bi-annual Noise Vibration and Harshness conference in Traverse City, Mich., which runs May 5 - 8, 2003. The conference focuses on testing, analysis and materials technology that contribute to passenger comfort through the reduction of unwanted exterior and vehicular noise.

"Competition in the automotive marketplace is fierce," said Jay Pyper, North American market development manager for Solutia. "Consumers demand quality, and quiet is one of the criteria used to judge quality. In fact, the J.D. Power and Associates 2002 Vehicle Acoustic Study showed a clear connection between consumer satisfaction with quietness and satisfaction with the vehicle overall. If automakers can produce a quieter car, that gives them a competitive edge. That is what Vanceva(TM) Quiet offers."

The advanced acoustic interlayer in the windshield, and laminated glass in the front doors is part of the Buick QuietRide System, developed through careful attention to detail to optimize noise attenuation in the vehicle. According to Solutia, normal laminated glass reduces noise intrusion by about 6 decibels versus tempered glass; Vanceva(TM) Quiet takes it to the next level in providing "quiet luxury."

Laminated glass is formed when a PVB interlayer is sandwiched between two pieces of glass, and subjected to heat and pressure. Standard in windshields for about 60 years, laminated glass is now being used more and more in side windows as well for other benefits inherent to this type of auto glass. Extensive market research and contact with automotive engineers at forums like SAE's NVH conference has demonstrated that laminated glass brings added value to the consumer. In response, Solutia Automotive has brought several advanced laminates to the market under the Vanceva(TM) brand name, including Vanceva(TM) Color, Vanceva(TM) Metallic, and Vanceva(TM) Quiet. Solutia Automotive partnered with glass supplier Guardian Automotive in the development of the glass for the Rainier.

Other benefits of laminated glass include:

* Intrusion resistance - the tough PVB interlayer increases intrusion resistance by about 10 percent over tempered glass.

* Protection of passengers and interior materials from UV ray penetration - tests by the Australian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Agency showed a 90 percent reduction in UV ray penetration with laminated glass versus 60 percent using ordinary tempered glass, or the equivalent of a 50 SPF sunblock.

* Weight reduction - Laminated glass weighs 11 percent less than comparable tempered glass.

Solutia Inc. , an independent, publicly owned enterprise headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, has a major presence in both national and international markets. Solutia produces Saflex(R) and Vanceva(TM) brand polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers, that are used to manufacture the laminated glass used in automotive, architectural and residential applications throughout the world, and is the sole supplier of PVB for aircraft -- the most demanding application. The company's other businesses include synthetic fibers, resins, aviation hydraulic fluids, high-performance specialty chemicals and other performance products.

Solutia Automotive manufactures interlayers used in laminated automotive glass, and is not a glass producer itself. Information about Solutia Automotive may be found at www.solutiaautomotive.com .