As we close the chapter on 2025, we reflect on a year of evolution. The landscape of the automotive world is changing faster than ever, and together, we have successfully navigated these shifts, embracing the challenges as opportunities to lead and prepare for the future.
This year, we saw the future of the car parc take shape before our eyes. The continued dominance of internal combustion engines exists alongside the undeniable rise of electrification. While the rapid surge in pure Electric Vehicles (EVs) has found a more measured pace, the growth of hybrid technology has highlighted a practical path forward, extending the transition and diversifying the vehicles on our roads. This complex mix, from established models to new EV-focused entrants, dictates the very nature of our work, and our deep understanding of these trends ensures we are prepared for the road ahead.
At the heart of this evolution is the windscreen itself—no longer "just glass," but a sophisticated hub of technology. The numbers speak for themselves: in just a decade, complex glass has skyrocketed from 15% to 60% of the replacement market. This complexity is driven by the features that now define the modern driving experience, particularly Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and ever-larger Head-Up Displays (HUDs).
In this critical segment, AGC has established itself as a leading stakeholder. Through massive investment and a pioneering spirit, we are driving innovation from both the Original Equipment (OEM) and Automotive Replacement Glass (ARG) sides. Our leadership is showcased not only in our ability to deliver ARG products that meet the strictest OEM standards but also through groundbreaking innovations like our co-developed PHUD technology, cementing our role in shaping the vehicle of tomorrow.
Yet, perhaps the most exciting development this year has been the growing recognition of the human element at the center of this technological wave. The "right to repair" movement, coupled with the integration of AI into our vehicles, is reshaping the roles of everyone in the service chain. The future is not one where we are passive users of technology, but active participants. Fitters and customers, empowered with the right to influence and recalibrate the systems they use, will become crucial partners in advancing automotive AI. This shift proves that even as machines grow smarter, the solution remains "Human after all."
Embodying this "Human after all" spirit in its truest form, we are proud to continue our partnership with Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières. As part of our end-of-year tradition, we are once again forgoing traditional corporate gifts. Instead, we are making a donation in your name to support their vital work. In a year marked by a heavy climate of war, harm, and stress for the unluckiest populations, we believe this is the most meaningful gift we can share. It is a stepping stone toward a better future—a shared investment in healing and hope where it is needed most.
Looking ahead, the path is clear. The trends of 2025 have set the stage for a future where complexity is synonymous with opportunity, and technology is enhanced by human ingenuity. As we step into 2026, we do so with great optimism, confident in our shared ability to shape the future of mobility. Thank you for being our valued partner on this exciting journey. The road ahead is bright, and we look forward to pioneering it with you.