Historically, sunroofs have been no more than small rectangular openings incorporated into vehicles to increase brightness, in the case of glass systems, and ventilation. Irrespective of the advancements in sunroof design and complexity since the 1970s, the glazing itself has remained substantially the same. Toughened glass between 4 and 6mm with varying degrees of light transmission and solar energy absorption. With the increased incorporation of climate control systems within vehicles in the 90s the sale of standard sunroofs had begun to decline, especially within Europe. However, this trend is now being reversed with the evolution of Large Area roofs sometimes termed Panorama roofs. These new roofs obviously bring new demands on the glazing as well as new opportunities, both of which are discussed in this paper.
