l Demand for automotive coatings, sealants and adhesives in the U.S. is forecast to rise 2.4% to reach 2.3 billion pounds in 2005, valued at $6.8 billion, according to a new study from The Freedonia Group, based in Cleveland, OH. Automotive coatings demand is expected to reach $4.9 billion in 2005, according to Freedonia. According to the 310-page study, growth of the automotive coatings, sealants and adhesives market between 1990 and 2000 was 5.3%; growth between 2000 and 2005 is predicted to be just 3.9%.