Date: 18th August 2000 Reference: PR/64/00 Volvo sees clearly with Pilkington Pilkington Automotive, one of the world’s leading automotive glazing manufacturers, has been awarded the contract to supply windscreens and backlights for the Volvo Car Corporation’s new P2 platform. The P2 series encompasses the new V70 and S80, already in production and the S60, due to be launched later this year. P2 again sees the Volvo Car Corporation combining innovative design with the safety and functionality long associated with the brand. Stephane Windsor, key account manager for Volvo at Pilkington Automotive, comments: “The Volvo Car Corporation’s glazing requirements were extremely challenging for the P2 platform. Glass plays an integral role in the design of the car but still needs to fulfil the brand values of safety and security. This is especially important for the windscreen and backlight which obviously play a key role in defining the shape of the vehicle. The glazing for P2 is a complete system with primer and add-ons, such as trim moulding, spacer and tape, already assembled by Pilkington before delivery.” The glazing is being produced at Pilkington Automotive’s plants in Landskrona, Sweden and San Salvo, Italy with vehicle build taking place at the Volvo Car Corporation’s Göteborg and Gent facilities. To reinforce its service to the Volvo Car Corporation, Pilkington Automotive is setting-up two new advanced warehouses at Goteberg and Gent where all the add-on operations are going to take place. Pilkington already has a warehouse at Udevalla for the C70 and these two new additions mean that the company will have a satellite operation for each of the Volvo Car Corporation’s plants where they have a contract. Windsor continues: “Pilkington Automotive is delighted to be working with the Volvo Car Corporation on the P2 platform as a full service supplier. We won the contract because of our strong relationship with Volvo and our commitment to playing a key role in the development of the models with a strong involvement from our European Simulation Centre in Lathom. “With our global operations and major investment in R & D, Pilkington is able to offer an unrivalled service to manufacturers wherever they are situated in the world.” Ends Issued on behalf of Pilkington Automotive by Key Communications. For further information: Emma Nicholls or Louise Price on 0121 456 3199.