The Power of Partnerships for Superior Auto Glass Replacement

Competing in a Fast-Changing Market

Replacing windshields used to be a relatively straightforward task.

Nowadays, it involves recalibrating cameras and sensors, and ensuring they are aligned and working properly. Drivers want their cars back NOW, but repair shops must strike a balance between achieving fast drive-away times and safe, robust, efficient, and sustainable replacements.

The use of the wrong products and subpar workmanship can jeopardize windshield safety and certification – a fact that’s also true for headlights, sunroofs, spoilers, and critical crash-point panel repairs.

A Growing Market

According to Research And Markets Reports, the global AGR market was valued at $35.19 billion* in 2023 and is projected to experience a robust annual growth rate of 9.4%, reaching $50.33 billion in 2027.

Building Trust

Our Auto Glass Replacement teams at Sika are building strong partnerships and collaborating with customers to find optimal solutions for safer, more robust, and efficient windshield replacement.

With a presence in more than 100 countries and 100-plus years in the speciality chemicals business, Sika is uniquely positioned for the job.

Collectively, Sika adhesives are used in hundreds of millions of windshield replacements annually. 

Local and Global Alliances in AGR

Sika collaborates daily with local, regional, and global customers. For example, a local shop approached Sika seeking innovative solutions to ensure compliance with new regulations and inquire about a new product.

“What began as a compliance update, has evolved into a comprehensive global training program across multiple markets. This included knowledge sharing about AGRSS regulations in the US market,” explains one Sika instructor, emphasizing, “A project of this scale is something only Sika could do. Just imagine the substantial savings on a local level, with hundreds of fully compliant local shops, and Sika supporting them right in their backyards.”

Meeting Today's Challenges

Advanced technologies in automotive manufacturing, such as advanced driver assistance (ADAS), lidar, radar, and in-car networking, are creating new challenges in auto glass replacement. To meet this increasing complexity, glass replacement shops increasingly demand primerless, robust, and reliable systems.

Teaming Up for Competitive Advantage

North American auto glass replacement chains are embracing new forms of  collaboration to enhance their competitive advantage. This trend is driven by consolidation among industry frontrunners, creating a heightened demand for innovation and expertise gained through strategic partnerships. A prime example is Driven Brands, a major US provider of auto glass services in 42 states. Driven Brands quadrupled its footprint in one year through the acquisition of Auto Glass Fitters, among other service brands, and has formed a strategic partnership with Sika. Similarly, VitrXpert of Canada, another large chain, is teaming up with Sika for their Total Security Concept.

Fast, Efficient, and Safe

Whether it's pretreatment-free products or other time-saving innovations, safety is always the top priority. In all instances, rigorous crash tests are conducted to meet the FMVSS 212 standards set by the US Department of  Transportation, as well as adhering to AGRSS regulations.

Less Waiting, Fast Calibration, Any Temperature

In today’s fast-paced culture, where consumers prioritize swift vehicle return, Sika has teamed up with AGR chains to introduce a host of innovative, time-saving adhesives solutions. For example, SikaTack® MACH-30 XV is an all-in-one modulus adhesive with a 30-minute drive-away time. Similarly, SikaTack® ULTIMATE offers excellent results, with no pretreatment required for glass or frit. These advanced systems outperform standard ones, enabling customers to get their cars back more quickly.

Eliminating Process Steps 

Interest among AGR chains in the US ison the rise for adhesives that are pretreatment-free and reduce costly processing steps. These technologies, which utilize efficient and sustainable approaches, can be rolled out across multiple sites, with training included. According to several North American customers, pretreatment-free options, offered in partnership with Sika, dramatically enhanced the overall customer experience and reduce costs associated with follow-up visits.

Partnerships to Elevate Quality, Safety, and Sustainability

Through strategic partnerships, Sika is dedicated to enhancing quality, safety, and sustainability for vehicle glass replacement and repair shops. Whether it's a global alliance with AGE, a European collaboration with Glassdrive, or teaming up with leading North American players like Driven and VitrXpert, these stories demonstrate the company’s ambition to deepen relationships and share 40 years of expertise in auto glass replacement.