The OEM Automotive Coatings Market
Source: AkzoNobel Automotive and Aerospace Coatings
Auto manufacturers are looking for high-performance coatings that catch the consumer’s
eye while also improving manufacturing efficiency.
Kerry Pianoforte, Editor
The automotive market is impacted by a number of factors. First and foremost, the global economy has a major effect on car buying. When the economy is growing, such as in China
and throughout the Asia Paci;c region, car and truck sales ;our-ish. When the economy is struggling, such as in Europe and North
America, people try to make their cars and trucks last longer. When
the economy improves, people look to replace those vehicles.
The North American market has another factor at work in
terms of auto sales. As a result of economic and political pressure, there has been a move for foreign automakers to produce
some of their cars in North America, as car and truck buyers
seek to purchase vehicles that are made domestically.
As automakers’ production and sales grow, so does the
need for automotive coatings. Joe Schmondiuk, vice president
– global accounts, BASF Coatings North America, noted that
there is growth in automotive coatings, although that expansion is more regional in nature.
“There has been an increase in the number of vehicles be-
ing built in North America, and as production increases, this
naturally helps OEM paint producers,” said Schmondiuk.
“Europe is still struggling with its economy and is seeing less
of an increase in automotive production, while Asia is in a
growth mode, particularly in China. 2013 will see a contin-
ued improvement in growth and sales over 2012, but not as
strong as recent years.”
Marc Michelsen, director communications and sustainabil-
ity, AkzoNobel Automotive and Aerospace Coatings, noted that
although it is hard to tell if auto sales are growing overall, there
is pent-up demand for new cars.
40 | Coatings World
www.coatingsworld.com
March 2013
