Automotive OEM Coatings Market
March 2016 www.coatingsworld.com Coatings World | 75
to evolve uncovering opportunities for
coatings companies with the ability to innovate,” he added.
“Axalta is celebrating its 150th year
in coatings business, and some of these
expectations haven’t changed in as
many years. For OEMs, the fundamental requirements are product availability, consistent product quality that meets
specifications, and world class service –
all offered at a competitive price. This expectation is true wherever the customer is
producing vehicles. Car owners, however,
are looking for long-lasting beauty and
easy maintenance.
“While 150 years is something to be
proud of, alongside our customers we
continue to look forward. For Axalta,
that means focusing on continually improving our current product portfolio
and anticipating future coating needs
whether driven by regulation, changing consumer expectations, or the
continued evolution of vehicle architecture that comes with new technology,”
Markevich concluded.
Axalta’s Research and Development
efforts are aligned with customer needs,
wants, and trends. Markevich said that
the company is specifically addressing
demands brought by new materials including multi-metal and new substrates;
needs to improve the productivity and
reduce the cost-to-apply our coating systems; and ways to bring innovative color
and effects to meet consumers’ interests
in changing trends.
Toomey, of BASF, said that customer
coating performance needs are relatively
simple. “Our customers want reliable
quality, great colors, with an excellent car
finish coming off the line and production
on the line to be very efficient,” he said.
He added, “BASF continues to focus
on imaginative color design, layer-by-
layer leading product performance, and
reliable, high quality, efficient perfor-
mance and production. Our Cathoguard
800 e-coat is the best performing and
most efficient c-coat on the market. And
don’t forget, BASF pioneered integrated
process to help our customers improve
their efficiency. We continue to be com-
mitted to be the industry leader in new
technologies.” CW
