Does Toyota make their own windshield?
Not typically. Toyota does not manufacture its own windshields; windshields are produced by specialized automotive glass manufacturers and supplied to Toyota under regional contracts.
How windshields are produced and who makes them
Windshields for modern vehicles are highly engineered laminated glass units. They consist of two glass plies with a plastic interlayer (PVB) that holds together in the event of impact. Automakers like Toyota generally do not run their own glass plants; instead, they contract with global glass manufacturers that operate dedicated automotive-grade facilities. The supplier for a given model or market can vary based on region, regulatory requirements, and production arrangements, meaning the windshield supply chain is largely managed by third-party specialists.
In practice, the windshields used by Toyota across its models are produced by a handful of established automotive glass companies under long-term supply agreements. Here are some of the major players commonly seen in the industry.
- Pilkington Automotive (NSG Group) – a leading global supplier to many automakers
- AGC Automotive – part of the Asahi Glass Group, with a broad international footprint
- Guardian Automotive – a major U.S.-based glass producer with global reach
- Saint-Gobain Sekurit – the automotive glass division of Saint-Gobain, active in Europe and other regions
These suppliers provide the actual glass units to Toyota factories, ensuring compliance with safety standards, heating elements, acoustic properties, and other model-specific features. The exact supplier can vary by model, trim level, and country, reflecting regional partnerships and manufacturing capabilities.
Regional variations and supply arrangements
Because Toyota operates on a global scale, its windshields may come from different suppliers depending on where a vehicle is built and sold. Market-specific agreements help manage regulatory requirements, capacity constraints, and logistics. While the core practice is consistent—outsourcing windshield production to specialized glass manufacturers—the identity of the supplier is not fixed and can shift with model refreshes or supplier negotiations.
Market-specific considerations
In North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, Toyota relies on the same class of automotive glass suppliers, with regional preferences influenced by existing partnerships and capacity. The industry norm is to source from established automotive glass producers, rather than maintaining in-house windshield manufacturing facilities.
Summary
In short, Toyota does not manufacture its own windshields in-house. The company typically contracts with major automotive glass manufacturers to supply laminated windshields tailored to each market and model. The specific supplier varies by region and model, with leading players including Pilkington Automotive (NSG Group), AGC Automotive, Guardian, and Saint-Gobain Sekurit. This arrangement aligns Toyota with a broad, global supply chain that specializes in high-precision glass for vehicles.
What is the difference between a Toyota windshield and an aftermarket windshield?
Aftermarket glass can have a higher rate of leakage, wind noise, imprecise fits, solar performance and optical distortions. Be sure to reiterate the importance of using a Genuine Toyota Windshield over aftermarket options and to communicate Toyota's new competitive pricing program to your customers!
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Who makes OEM windshields?
Auto Glass is not “just glass” . . . Know the difference.
For windshield replacement, you have the option to select a replacement made by a company that manufactures OEM windshields, such as PPG, Ford Carlite, Pilkington, or glass made from non-OEM manufacturers (“aftermarket glass”).
How much is a new windshield for a Toyota?
The average cost to replace a Toyota windshield is between $200 and $500. The cost to replace the windshield on some of the newest models can reach as high as $700 or $1000.
Who makes the Toyota windshield?
Toyota windshields are made by several different suppliers, including major auto glass manufacturers like AGC Inc. (a subsidiary of which, AP Tech, is a current supplier) and Pilkington (part of the NSG Group). Other companies such as Fuyao Glass also supply glass to Toyota and other major automakers.
- AGC Inc. (and subsidiary AP Tech): This is a key supplier for Toyota, and its subsidiary AP Tech makes windshields for the brand. AGC is one of the largest auto glass producers in the world and supplies both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket parts.
- Pilkington: A subsidiary of the NSG Group, Pilkington supplies glass for vehicles from manufacturers including Toyota.
- Fuyao Glass: This company provides OEM services to numerous well-known international auto brands, including Toyota.
- Other suppliers: The specific supplier can depend on the car model and sometimes the region, but the companies listed above are among the primary manufacturers of glass for both the factory (OEM) and the aftermarket.
