● You may not see a lot of
them on the road, but
electric cars are growing
in popularity with some
consumers, if not automotive
coatings suppliers.
Unveiled in April in
Santa Monica, CA,
D a i m l e r- C h r y s l e r ’s
newest neighborhood
electric vehicle (NEV), the
2002 GEM, has a relatively
paint-free exterior. The
NEV features thermoplastic
body panels with
imbedded color which
DaimlerChrysler contends
offer more consistent
color and greater
depth of image.
The roof rails, however,
are powder coated,
according to Daimler-
Chrysler officials