Kerry Pianoforte, Editor 03.24.14
Automotive OEM coatings manufacturers Coatings World interviewed expressed optimism for 2014, citing increased auto production in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific and economic recovery in the mature regions of North America and Europe.
“We have seen recovery at the OEM level, although understandably the pace has varied by region,” said Steve Markevich, senior vice president, Axalta Coating Systems and president, OEM. “The demand for automotive OEM coatings is directly proportional to the number of vehicles produced. Since the economic downturn in the mature markets, there has been a recovery led by North America. Today the outlook for Europe is improving, the Asian markets continue to grow and the South American markets will reflect political and economic conditions. Our overall confidence in all three regions is reflected in our recent investment commitments. In the past ten months, Axalta has announced substantial investments in the construction of additional capacity to manufacture waterborne products in Germany, China and Brazil.”
“Vehicle production will grow in 2014 in North America but not as much a
“We have seen recovery at the OEM level, although understandably the pace has varied by region,” said Steve Markevich, senior vice president, Axalta Coating Systems and president, OEM. “The demand for automotive OEM coatings is directly proportional to the number of vehicles produced. Since the economic downturn in the mature markets, there has been a recovery led by North America. Today the outlook for Europe is improving, the Asian markets continue to grow and the South American markets will reflect political and economic conditions. Our overall confidence in all three regions is reflected in our recent investment commitments. In the past ten months, Axalta has announced substantial investments in the construction of additional capacity to manufacture waterborne products in Germany, China and Brazil.”
“Vehicle production will grow in 2014 in North America but not as much a
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