Heated front windscreen

**Nigel_HD** · 26-05-2014,08:49 PM

I'm new to the Forum, so apologies if this is a question already answered.
Why do VW and Skoda offer heated front windscreens to many of their models, but Audi and Seat (with the exception of the Ford-cloned Alhambra) do not. It's a totally bizarre situation. My local Audi dealer tells me the question is frequently asked, but he doesn't know the answer. Is it something stupid like "BMW and Mercedes don't offer it, so Audi does not have to" ? There must be a simple (or another stupid) answer. Are VAG playing mind games with the options list ?

**The Glassman** · 27-05-2014,08:11 AM

Originally Posted by Nigel_HD

I'm new to the Forum, so apologies if this is a question already answered.
Why do VW and Skoda offer heated front windscreens to many of their models, but Audi and Seat (with the exception of the Ford-cloned Alhambra) do not. It's a totally bizarre situation. My local Audi dealer tells me the question is frequently asked, but he doesn't know the answer. Is it something stupid like "BMW and Mercedes don't offer it, so Audi does not have to" ? There must be a simple (or another stupid) answer. Are VAG playing mind games with the options list ?

The Passat R36 has a heated windscreen. Audi A8 also has a heated windscreen option.

**sooty** · 29-06-2014,02:14 PM

My dad has always owned Fords and it comes as standard on every model and trim level.
Not sure why the others don't do it, I know I would pay extra for it if they offered it as an option

**The Glassman** · 29-06-2014,03:47 PM

Originally Posted by sooty

My dad has always owned Fords and it comes as standard on every model and trim level.

incorrect

**NickPicks** · 30-06-2014,10:37 AM

Originally Posted by sooty

My dad has always owned Fords and it comes as standard on every model and trim level.

Originally Posted by The Glassman

incorrect

Did sooty's dad once own a Vauxhall?

**MalcQV** · 22-07-2014,08:19 AM

Originally Posted by nickpicks

did sooty's dad once own a vauxhall?

**Darren Thomas** · 24-07-2014,03:12 AM

Hello firstly I may be wrong so don't shoot me down in flames. But it was my understanding that originally only fords did the heated front screens and at first only on certain trim levels like the Ghia and RS models, and no other manufacturer could offer heated screens because Ford owned the rights for the use of heated screens, but I'm pretty sure they have a certain time frame and have since expired but why more don't do them as standard or as options is beyond me

**azman** · 30-07-2014,04:12 PM

i thought the patent was held by ford, so other company's couldn't do heated windscreens or maybe that was just a rumor, i've had a strip on the bottom of my old pajero that used to heat the wipers up though.

**Darren Thomas** · 30-07-2014,10:52 PM

Ford did use to own the patent and rights to the heated screens but I'm pretty sure that has now expired and Ford didn't renew which is why we are slowly seeing other manufacturers fitting heated screens.

**Lukenkarl** · 31-07-2014,09:56 AM

Originally Posted by Darren Thomas

Ford did use to own the patent and rights to the heated screens but I'm pretty sure that has now expired and Ford didn't renew which is why we are slowly seeing other manufacturers fitting heated screens.

My old man had a heated rear screen on his ford popular...very useful...it used to keep our hands warm cos we were always pushing it to get it started in the winter