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Auto Window Film Increases Safety in Side-Impact Collisions


PHOTO

ST. LOUIS, October 9 --

- LLumar(R) Safety Film Test Yields Dramatic Results

For years, car owners have turned to security window film for solar protection and to deter "smash and grab" theft. Now they can add another important reason to install LLumar(R) safety film to their vehicles' windows: added protection in the event of a side-impact collision.

LLumar safety film was put to the test recently at DEKRA Automobil Test Center, an independent automotive testing laboratory in Klettwitz, Germany. The test demonstrated how the film would perform in the event of a side-impact collision, and the results were dramatic.

Using the frame of an Audi 80, two different driver-side doors were installed -- one with no film and one with LLumar 7-mil safety film. An acceleration sled simulated a 16-kph pole impact. The unfilmed glass shattered and flew into the driver's face and body, while the glass using LLumar was completely contained by the film.

"This test clearly demonstrates the benefit of LLumar safety film in the event of an accident," says Lisa Winckler, Director of Product Development and Technology for CPFilms, manufacturer of LLumar film. "With a growing body of research indicating that side-impact collisions are often more deadly to passengers than frontal collisions, the protection LLumar film provides can play a critical role in passenger safety."

The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that motor vehicle crashes will be the third major cause of injury and death by 2020, and studies indicate that side impacts result in more deaths and injuries to the head, chest and spine than frontal crashes. A study conducted by the Society of Automotive Engineers found that one-third of the fatalities from side collisions were passengers seated on the opposite side of the vehicle from the site of impact.

LLumar safety film can not only protect passengers from flying glass and debris in these accidents; it also helps support side airbag systems by keeping the airbags from being forced outward through shattered window openings and deters passenger ejection through broken windows -- the leading cause of death in accidents.

Once provided in only the most expensive lines of Audi, BMW and Mercedes vehicles, this multilayered, optically clear polyester film now can be professionally installed as a retrofit application to any vehicle in a matter of hours. Vehicle owners also have the option of selecting LLumar solar safety film, which not only protects against injury and smash-and-grab theft but also against heat gain and damaging ultraviolet rays.

NOTE TO EDITORS: LLumar automotive safety and security film will be on display at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Oct 30-Nov 2. LLumar is located in the North Hall, Booth 11812 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

LLumar(R) is a registered trademark of Solutia Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SOLUQ)

Corporate Profile

CPFilms Inc., makers of LLumar(R) films, manufactures and processes more than 100 types of film. LLumar films are designed to meet international standards, come with a factory-backed warranty, and are professionally installed. For governments, multi-national companies, and organizations having facilities around the world, LLumar provides the perfect solution for up-grading current glazing systems. Through our global network of factory trained and authorized dealers, each vehicle or facility, regardless of location, receives the same high-quality film and same expert installation services. For more information on LLumar products, log on to http://www.llumar.com. CPFilms is a unit of Solutia Inc.