• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Research
    • Markets & Technologies
    • Raw Materials
    • Top Companies
    • Directories
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Research
  • Markets & Technologies
  • Raw Materials
  • Top Companies
  • Directories
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Business Corner
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    World Reports
    eBook
    Top Features
    Mixing Equipment Directory

    The Wood Coatings Market

    Antimicrobial Coatings Market

    Additives Update

    Pigment Supplier Directory
    Breaking News
    Online Exclusives
    Distributor News
    Financial News
    Paint & Coatings Manufacturer News
    People In the News
    Price Increases
    Product News
    Video Bites
    Raw Materials & Equipment
    Suppliers News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Mule-Hide Products Co. Promotes Steven Litaker to Territory Manager

    Terra Firma, Wanhua Announce New Distribution Partnership

    Gelest CEO Elected to National Academy of Engineering

    PPG Appoints Tony Wu as VP, Automotive Refinish, Asia

    PPG Appoints John Bruno as VP, Investor Relations
    Top Companies report
    Market Research
    White Papers / Tech Papers
    Technical Papers
    Product Spec Sheets
    World Reports
    Adhesives and Sealants
    Aerospace Coatings
    Architectural Coatings
    Automotive Coatings
    Automotive Refinish
    Business Operation
    Color Trends & Forecast
    Construction Chemicals
    Corrosion Control
    Industrial Coatings
    Laboratory Equipment
    Marine Coatings
    Market Trends & Forecast
    Powder Coatings
    Production Equipment
    Radcure Coatings
    Special Purpose Coatings
    Wood Coatings
    "Green" Coatings

    Nippon Paint Marine Wins Korea Export Award

    ECOS Paints Launches Lisa Tharp Colors

    BYK-Gardner Launches VMA-Getzmann TORUSMILL

    Sensory Analytics Announces Issuance of Broad New Patent Covering Coating Thickness Measurement

    Union Process Develops Attritor for Inks, Coatings Supplier
    Additives
    Binders
    Pigments
    Solvents

    OQ Chemicals Increases Carboxylic Acids, Esters Prices

    Arkema Reports Full-year 2020 Results

    New Increase in Kynar Fluoropolymer Capacities at Arkema's Chinese Site

    Emerald Kalama Chemical Acquired by LANXESS

    Raw Material Suppliers, Distributors Part of Recent M&A Activity
    Buyers Guide
    Company Capabilities
    Distributor Guide
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Keim Additec Surface USA LLC

    Pilot Chemical Company

    Active Minerals

    Eagle Specialty Products

    Shepherd Color Company, The
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Top Events
    Surface Finishing Mexico 2021

    Cleveland Coatings Society Zoom Meeting

    Cleveland Coatings Society Zoom Meeting

    PCI Powder Coating Week

    Southern Society for Coatings Technology Annual Meeting and Technical Conference
    Companies
    White Papers/Tech Papers
    Product Spec Sheets
    Equipment
    Literature/Brochures
    Videos
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Shepherd Color Company, The

    Clariant Additives

    Siltech Corporation

    Keim Additec Surface USA LLC

    Eagle Specialty Products
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Business Corner
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Directories
      • Buyers Guide
      • Distributor Guide
      • Corporate Capabilities
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Markets & Technologies
      • Adhesives and Sealants
      • Aerospace Coatings
      • Architectural Coatings
      • Automotive Coatings
      • Automotive Refinish
      • Business Operation
      • Color Trends & Forecast
      • Construction Chemicals
      • Corrosion Control
      • Industrial Coatings
      • Laboratory Equipment
      • Marine Coatings
      • Market Trends & Forecast
      • Powder Coatings
      • Production Equipment
      • Radcure Coatings
      • Special Purpose Coatings
      • Wood Coatings
      • "Green" Coatings
    • Raw Materials
      • Additives
      • Binders
      • Pigments
      • Solvents
    • World Reports
      • Africa Report
      • China Report
      • India/Asia Pacific Report
      • Europe Report
      • Latin America Report
      • Market Research
      • Russian Report
    • Top Companies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Blog
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Whitepapers
    • Jobs
    • Microsites
      • Companies
      • White Papers/Tech Papers
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Equipment
      • Literature/Brochures
      • Videos
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Event
      • Webinars
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    Auto OEM Coatings: The Road Ahead

    In the midst of the global recession, auto sales continue to plummet. This does not bode well for paint suppliers to the auto OEM market. Coatings World spoke with Cynthia Niekamp, PPG's new vice president of automotive coatings about current and future trends.

    Tim Wright03.06.09
    Ms. Niekamp, you recently joined PPG's automotive coatings business at a challenging time. How would you characterize the state of the global automotive OEM coatings market and how is the bad economy affecting PPG's automotive OEM coatings business? How would you characterize regional markets (NA, Western Europe, EE, Asia, etc.)?

    Yes, it certainly is a challenging time for the auto industry. The automotive sector is clearly one of the hardest hit during this economic crisis, and PPG automotive coatings business has not been immune. Luckily, we have a global presence and a balanced portfolio of customers, so we aren't as hard hit as many other U.S.-based automotive suppliers. Plus, PPG has taken some very aggressive action to take out cost, including the closing of our Canadian coatings facility and some significant reductions in our workforce worldwide. As you know auto sales in the westernized economies have been falling since the middle of last year, and we have now seen a similar impact in Eastern Europe and Asia. We see China continuing to grow this year, but at a reduced rate.


    CYNTHIA NIEKAMP



    PPG recently named Cynthia Niekamp its new vice president of automotive coatings. Niekamp joins PPG from BorgWarner Inc., where she led the global TorqTransfer Systems business. Niekamp began her career with General Motors, progressing through production supervisory and engineering positions with the Delco Moraine division. She moved to France as resident controller, wheel brake systems, and then returned to the U.S. in 1989 as plant manager, anti-lock braking systems, Delco Moraine division. In 1990, Niekamp joined TRW Auto�motive Inc., where her last position was as managing director, transportation systems. She then joined Mead Corp. in 1995 as vice president, corporate strategy and planning, and became president, specialty paper division, in 1998. Following the 2002 merger of Mead with Westvaco Corp., Niekamp served as senior vice president, strategy and specialty operations, and then as senior vice president and chief financial officer for MeadWestvaco until 2004.
    What can we expect moving through the next few quarters? Describe PPG's strategy for navigating these turbulent times?

    PPG has taken aggressive action to cut our overhead costs to align ourselves with the new global reality for the next several years. But, at the same time, we are continuing to invest in the future, investing in new green technologies and new processes to reduce costs for PPG and for our customers. We will also continue to monitor the health of our supply base, since they have not been immune from this downturn either.

    What is your outlook for continued growth in automotive segment in the coming years, and how will PPG play a role in helping that growth? What are your predictions for the automotive OEM coatings market in the short-, mid- and long-terms?

    Although predictions are that auto sales will be down substantially this year, there will still be close to 60 million cars produced globally, all of which require paint. Although I am hopeful that we will see some recovery in 2010, we are managing our business as if that recovery won't happen until 2011. We do have the good fortune to be well positioned in regions of the world which are expected to experience higher growth, such as China, so PPG expects growth higher than most U.S. dependent automotive suppliers. Plus, we have developed new products, such as our AudioGuard acoustic coating, which increases our value and content per vehicle, providing us with new venues for growth.

    What is PPG's growth strategy in the automotive OEM segment? Where is this growth being focused and what can we expect moving forward? What can we expect coming down the R&D pipeline from PPG?

    PPG offers a complete range of coatings products and services to the automotive OEMs. Currently we are the only supplier with a full range of products and services that can offer a total system solution for OEM paint shop needs around the world. Going forward we will continue to support this strategy offering coatings products and services for both OEM and Tier 1 suppliers globally. Some areas of development for PPG include products that remove weight from the vehicle, such as lightweight sealers, and products that are focused on reducing steps in paint process, such as our new Zircobond pretreatment. You can expect to see some exciting new things from us in the next few years.

    In addition to the bad economy, what are the other key trends and challenges manufacturers of automotive OEM coatings face now and in the years ahead?

    There are many exciting changes occurring in the OEM coatings market. Our customers are very focused on cutting time and cost out of their processes, and PPG has developed new technologies and approaches to help them with this. One new method that our customers are increasingly using is the "compact process," or process that removes steps and layers from the coating system without reducing performance or functionality. We are also helping our customers continue to differentiate their products through new color technologies. Our key challenge is continuing to invest in these new process developments and products, while at the same time managing our development costs and resources.

     
    What are the emerging markets and segments for PPG's auto OEM coatings business?

    Compact processes that remove time and cost from the coatings processes at the assembly plant are certainly a key trend. Another big area is "green" coatings for the emerging electric vehicle segment. Many of the new electric vehicle manufacturers want to be green all of the way through the process. PPG has several alternatives for these new OEMs including our P2Zero process, which is an all-powder topcoat, zero VOC system.

    What technologies are driving the market now and what can we expect down the road in terms of automotive coatings technology?


    Color is something that attracts consumers to a vehicle and differentiates a brand. So our customers are always looking for new clean, deep colors that show off the lines and design features of the car. PPG has developed a new line of Andaro pigments that are exciting to designers and give a deep, rich color. We also have some very interesting products in development at our research and development center. We are looking at topcoats that reflect heat, clear�coats that are self healing, interior coatings with new colors and texture, more durable electrocoat, existing products that use bio-based materials and new processes that reduce the footprint of a paint shop, just to name a few.

     


    Side bar

    Auto sales slump persists as consumers stay scared


    Industry analysts say when all the numbers are tallied, February sales could be worse than January's total of 656,976 light vehicles. That was the lowest monthly total since the industry sold 656,310 vehicles in December 1981, according to Autodata Corp. and Ward's AutoInfoBank.

    Major automakers' U.S. sales continued their deep slump in February, putting the industry on track for its worst sales month in more than 27 years as huge rebates and low-interest financing failed to spur fearful consumers to make a major purchase.

    General Motors' sales tumbled 53% from a year earlier, while Ford's U.S. sales fell 48% and Chrysler's fell 44%. The major Japanese automakers fared only slightly better. Toyota Motor Corp.'s U.S. sales plunged 40 percent, while Honda Motor Co.'s sales dropped 38 percent and Nissan Motor Co.'s fell 37 percent.

    The slide casts further doubt on the financial viability of GM and Chrysler, which need to sell cars and generate critical cash to supplement the $17.4 billion in government loans that are keeping them in business.

    Automakers and analysts have been predicting sales will rebound in the second half of this year, but they are becoming less certain. Massive layoffs, the stock market decline and sliding home values are prompting people to hold on to their cars longer, while those who are buying are more often opting for a used car or truck.
    Related Searches
    • voc
    • Pigments
    • Automotive Coatings
    • sealer
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Automotive Coatings
    • Pigments
    • Automotive Refinish

    Related Features

    • Additives | Architectural Coatings | Pigments | Solvents
      Is There A Correlation Between Contact Angle And Stain Repellency?

      Is There A Correlation Between Contact Angle And Stain Repellency?

      ...
      Daniel J. Mania 07.14.16

    • Automotive Coatings | Industrial Coatings | Pigments | Powder Coatings | Price Increases
      Metallic Pigments

      Metallic Pigments

      Diversified trends in automotive colors and increased consumer competition are driving this market forward.
      Catherine Diamond, Associate Editor 06.08.16

    • Architectural Coatings | Automotive Coatings | Automotive Refinish | Industrial Coatings | Powder Coatings
      Latin America Paint And Coatings Update 2016

      Latin America Paint And Coatings Update 2016

      Regional demand is likely to exceed GDP in the region.
      Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 06.08.16


    • Additives | Pigments | Solvents
      From Past to Present, PVDF Coatings Remain a Leader  in the Architectural Paint Industry

      From Past to Present, PVDF Coatings Remain a Leader in the Architectural Paint Industry

      ...
      Jeff Alexander, VP, Valspar Corp. 03.21.16

    • Additives | Pigments
      Use Of New Renewable Resource For Low VOC Enamel

      Use Of New Renewable Resource For Low VOC Enamel

      ...
      Swagata Chakraborty, Jaydeb Gayen, Akash Tarawal, Berger Paints India Ltd. 03.21.16

    • Additives | Architectural Coatings | Pigments
      Surfactant Influence on Colorant Acceptance

      Surfactant Influence on Colorant Acceptance

      ...
      Christine Louis, Mike Peck and Jim Reader, Air Products 03.21.16


    • Additives | Automotive Coatings | Pigments | Powder Coatings
      Automotive OEM Coatings Market

      Automotive OEM Coatings Market

      Demand is being driven by both economic and environmental factors.
      Catherine Diamond, Associate Editor 03.18.16

    • Automotive Coatings | Automotive Refinish | Industrial Coatings | Marine Coatings
      CEO Forum

      CEO Forum

      ...
      Kerry Pianoforte, Editor 03.18.16

    • Architectural Coatings | Pigments | Solvents | Wood Coatings
      Wood Coatings Market

      Wood Coatings Market

      Wood coatings manufacturers continue to enjoy positive growth as a result of a robust housing market.
      Kerry Pianoforte, Editor 02.12.16


    • Architectural Coatings | Industrial Coatings | Marine Coatings | Pigments | Solvents | Special Purpose Coatings | Wood Coatings
      Pigments Market Update

      Pigments Market Update

      Paints and coatings are the fastest rising segment in terms of global pigment demand.
      Catherine Diamond, Associate Editor 01.15.16

    • Additives | Construction Chemicals | Pigments | Powder Coatings | Solvents
      Additives Industry Update

      Additives Industry Update

      Growth in the coatings industry is pushing the additives industry forward.
      Catherine Diamond, Associate Editor 01.15.16

    • Additives | Binders | Pigments | Solvents

      Innovative Binder Technology for High-Solids Industrial Coatings

      ...
      Evonik Industries AG 01.15.16


    • Additives | Binders | Marine Coatings | Pigments | Solvents
      Understanding the Function of Additives

      Understanding the Function of Additives

      ...
      Robert Ruckle, Siltech Corporation, Toronto, ON 12.18.15

    • Adhesives and Sealants | Pigments | Powder Coatings | Solvents

      Trade Association Directory

      ...
      Kerry Pianoforte, Editor 12.18.15

    • Additives | Pigments | Powder Coatings | Wood Coatings
      CHINACOAT2015 To Be Held November 18-20 in Shanghai

      CHINACOAT2015 To Be Held November 18-20 in Shanghai

      Now in its 20th year this annual event offers visitors a full range of exhibits for the paint and coatings industry.
      Kerry Pianoforte, Editor 10.19.15

    Trending
    • Hempel Announces Global Price Increase
    • Hempel Hires Global Head Of Renewable Energy
    • Raw Material Price Increases Pile Pressure On Paint Manufacturers
    • Hempel Launches Sustainability Framework: Futureproof
    • AkzoNobel Kicks Off Paint The Future Startup Challenge In China
    Breaking News
    • Hempel Reports 2020 Annual Results
    • AkzoNobel Completes Titan Paints Acquisition
    • Terra Firma, Wanhua Announce New Distribution Partnership
    • Mule-Hide Products Co. Promotes Steven Litaker to Territory Manager
    • Gelest CEO Elected to National Academy of Engineering
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    February 2021

    • Mixing Equipment Directory
    • The Wood Coatings Market
    • Antimicrobial Coatings Market
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Martin Bauer Group Acquires Majority Stake in Beverage Company Power Brands
    Gencor Announces Positive Results in VeriSperse Bioavailability Study
    PanTheryx Inc. Acquires TruBiotics Brand from Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Hempel Reports 2020 Annual Results
    AkzoNobel Completes Titan Paints Acquisition
    Mule-Hide Products Co. Promotes Steven Litaker to Territory Manager
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Olympus Purchases Israeli Firm Medi-Tate to Grow Urology Biz
    ffffffffffffffffHologic Buys Molecular Dx Firm Diagenode for $159M
    Solid Growth Forecast for Japan's MI Neurosurgical Devices Market
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    WuXi AppTec Completes OXGENE Acquisition
    Romaco Names Sales Directors in Cologne, Bologna and Karlsruhe
    Impel NeuroPharma Expands Commercial Team
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Inter Parfums Reports a Strong Fourth Quarter
    Universal Engraving Announces New President
    Raw Sugar Living Expands to Target with New Collection
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Lancôme Debuts Virtual Stores
    Inter Parfums Bounces Back in Q4
    ACI and CBC Launch Webpage About ‘Quats’
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Access Direct Mail Doubles Revenue with SCREEN's Truepress Jet520HD
    Etiflex Enters New Markets with Nilpeter FA-22 Installation
    Hydrocarbon Solvents Market to Surpass $8.1 Billion by 2030
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    CP Printing adds Colordyne 3800 Series AP – Retrofit
    Edale names SMAG Graphique distributor in France
    TLMI analyzes pandemic's effect on label industry in new report
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    U.S. Nonwovens Rebrands as Radienz Living
    What You’re Reading on Nonwovens-Industry.com
    Texas Medical Technology Partners with My Protect Kit
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Align Technology Inc. Executive Joins Zimmer Biomet Board
    Pandemic Pain: NuVasive's 2020 Sales Fall 10 Percent
    Fusion Robotics Receives FDA Clearance for Spinal Navigation and Robotics System
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Comercial Kywi Improves Customer Service, Front-Store Operations with Zebra Mobile Solution
    Global Printed Circuit Board Market Projected to Reach $69.32 Billion by 2027
    Global Smart Glass Market to Register 6.8% CAGR Between 2021-28: Grand View Research

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login