SAINT_GOBAIN_REGISTRATION_DOCUMENT_2017

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One ambition: to improve the well-being of all Solutions specifically for industrial markets

SOLUTIONS SPECIFICALLY FOR 3. INDUSTRIAL MARKETS

Products for the 3.1 automotive market The automotive market is being driven by demographic growth and the emergence of a new middle class, particularly in Asia. According to a study from McKinsey (1) , the annual revenue generated by the global automotive industry could rise by 4.4% a year between now and 2030 (faster than the average annual growth rate of 3.6% between 2010 and 2015). Global automobile production will be close to 110 million vehicles in 2020, compared with 95 million in 2016 (2) . Market growth will be driven by demand from fast-growing countries: China has become the leading global automotive market, representing 27% of the market in 2015 (3) . The electric vehicle market is expected to grow strongly in the next few years, to 50% of new vehicle sales in 2030 (4) . The speed of the move to electric vehicles will depend in particular on the introduction of public policies to support it. At a time when automotive manufacturers are especially emphasizing lower energy consumption and CO 2 emissions (reduced vehicle weight, better thermal insulation, aerodynamics), comfort (acoustic, visual, UV protection), safety and connectivity, the Group offers products that meet these new requirements, both in the primary market and in the spare parts market. Saint-Gobain Glass is constantly being adapted to the needs of automobile manufacturers, particularly with regard to lightweight glass, heads-up display glass and anti-heat glass, not to mention glass in complex shapes, for which Saint-Gobain’s expertise is well known. All these solutions promote an optimal driving experience, with increased comfort and safety for both driver and passengers. Similarly, high-performance, polymer-based bearings, seals and foams are custom-designed to meet the needs of automobile manufacturers, in terms of extending useful life and reducing noise and weight. Saint-Gobain’s solutions also involve production using, for example, a wide range of abrasive products (adhesives, agglomerates and super abrasives) for finishing and polishing automotive parts. In order to benefit from the opening of new markets in fast-growing countries, the Group is also developing solutions appropriate for these regions, without compromising quality.

For customers in industrial markets, Saint-Gobain aims to be the partner of choice by developing and supplying high-performance products, which ensure the reliability and safety of the solutions to which they contribute, optimize the productivity of manufacturing processes and enhance user comfort and safety. This involves co-development partnerships with industrial customers, with a view to creating solutions for them and with them so they can roll out their activities. Saint-Gobain has specialist brands in High-Performance Materials, mainly for its industrial markets. These brands are well known for their expertise, particularly in the automotive glazing, abrasives, polymers and ceramics markets.

INDUSTRY

STRATEGICMARKETS Manufacturing industry, transport, healthcare, energy

Automotive glazing

Abrasives

SPECIALIST BRANDS

Flexible tubing

Bearings

Adhesive foams

Polymer seals

Ceramics for energy

Refractories

Automotive revolution – perspectives towards 2030, McKinsey, 2016. (1) L’Observatoire Cetelem 2017, BNP Paribas 2016. (2) L’Observatoire Cetelem 2017, BNP Paribas 2016. (3) Global Market Forecast, Growing Horizons 2017/2036, Airbus 2017. (4)

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