Automotive Aftermarket

1980 - 1990: Safety

While the VCR revolutionized home television, Sika was setting new standards in safety. This decade was all about safety.

In fact, the FM-VSS 212 standards were drawn up as a result of passenger safety considerations calling for bonded windshields in cars. By extension, polyurethane windshield adhesives became the global norm in car construction. Primerless Sikaflex® was first used by leading car manufacturers. This product was far easier to use than conventional when replacing car glass.

1985: Sika launched first primerless winscreen adhesive (Sikaflex®-255)

1986: First Sika Direct Glazing Application at leading car manufacturer

 1987: First Sika Crash Test

1990 - 1999: Speed

Speed was not only required when playing with the Game Boy, but also when replacing wind-shields.

Speed was not only required when playing with the Game Boy, but also when replacing windshields. A new line of business emerged since car workshops found themselves replacing more and more adhesive-bonded windshields, while customers were increasingly demanding shorter waiting times after installation. Sika was the pioneer, developing fast-curing windshield adhesives and establishing new drive-away standards. This decade was shaped by short drive-away times and absolute safety. Sika – and the Sikaflex® brand - also led the way in terms of speed and performance. Indeed, new SikaBooster® technology and reduced drive-away times helped set new benchmarks in the sector.

1991: First hot-applied fast cure adhesive – SikaTack® Ultrafast

1993: Development of Sika Safe Drive-Away Time Standards (crash testing/lab standards)

1997: First 1h safe drive away product – SikaTack® Plus Booster

2000 - 2009: Simplicity

The cell phone made communication quite simple. Sika also strived for simplicity and created innovative all-in-one solutions.

Auto glass technicians were faced with choosing between high and low modulus adhesives, while also determining the correct drive-away time based on the prevailing climatic conditions. To counteract these issues, Sika developed adhesives that ensured a constant drive-away time at temperatures of between -10 °C and +40 °C. What’s more, all-in-one modulus adhesives reduced mistakes and provided peace of mind.

2002: Launch of SikaTack® ASAP and SikaTack® MOVE (1 hour SDAT) First All-in-One Modulus Product 

2006:  Introduction of the All-Seasons  Activator

2008: Crash Test Series for shorter SDAT

2010: Launch of SikaTitan® – Primerless to glass adhesives

2010 - 2019: Assisted Driving

The smartphone emerged as an indispensable helper in everyday life. In cars, assistance systems presented the industry with new challenges.

Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) helped to further improve road safety and lower damage costs for insurers. However, these systems required significant calibration work after replacing the windshield. Since a windshield significantly contributes to a car body’s structural stiffness, this necessitated the use of more advanced, full-cure adhesives. By developing the PowerCure system, Sika was once again able to provide a simple, market-ready solution that met customers’ challenges.

2015: 60min OE cure product: SikaTack® ELITE

2015: 30min safe drive-away time product: SikaTack® PRO

2015: Established new drive-away timestandard with 95th percentile crash test dummies

2020 - FUTURE: Less Exposure