Vertical sliding window assembly for a vehicle

A vertical sliding window assembly for coupling to a vehicle, said vertical sliding window assembly comprising:

• a first fixed panel adapted to be fixed to the vehicle and having a top edge and a bottom edge spaced from each other;
• a second fixed panel adapted to be fixed to the vehicle and spaced from said first fixed panel to define an opening therebetween with said second fixed panel having a top edge and a bottom edge spaced from each other;
• a top cross-member coupled to said first and second fixed panels proximate said top edge of said first and second fixed panels with said top cross-member spanning said opening;
• a bottom cross-member spaced from said top cross-member and bonded to said first and second fixed panels proximate said bottom of said first and second fixed panels with said bottom edge cross-member spanning said opening;
• and
• a sliding panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface opposite said interior surface with said sliding panel movable relative to said fixed panels between a closed position and an open position such that a size of said opening can be modified;
• wherein said bottom cross-member is disposed adjacent said interior surface of said sliding panel such that said exterior surface of said sliding panel is unobstructed by said bottom cross-member.