Auto industry insiders predict that incentive programs will keep consumers flowing into dealerships in 2002. However, J.D. Power-LMC is forecasting 2002 global light vehicle sales of just 55.121 million units. This is down slightly from 2001 sales figures of 56.418 million units, but the number is more than respectable and not at all bad considering current economic situations.
Naturally, the state of the auto industry affects coatings sales. According to the Freedonia Group, global demand for automotive coatings is forecast to increase just 1.7% per year to 1.3 billion pounds in 2005.
A few large corporations dominate the automotive OEM coatings market. Of course, each must work hard to stay ahead of the pack in producing new and innovative coatings products and technologies, but more than ever, service is of prime importance. "We are in the services business," said Scott Follett, global director, total service solutions, PPG Industries.
Changing Needs
Companies like PPG and others recognize that shipping a product to a customer is only the beginning. Steps must be taken to help automakers properly
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