Axalta's New Innovations In Coatings Showcased At FOCUS

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich., May 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Axalta (NYSE: AXTA) representatives from the company's Transportation segment and technologists from its Global Innovation Center were featured speakers yesterday at the Future of Coatings Under Study (FOCUS) conference. 

Axalta's Kevin O'Connor, Director of Global Transportation Product Management, discussed the coatings' industry's role in the emerging autonomous vehicle segment and Nancy Lockhart, Axalta Global Product Manager - Color, moderated an afternoon panel on vehicle color and design featuring industry experts.

"Many different groups inside and outside the automotive industry are coming together to advance this autonomous movement," said O'Connor. "The coatings industry is addressing a variety of alternatives that improve paint system reflectivity and transmissibility as they each have their own challenges in including color, stability, cost and application time.  Coatings technology is critical to making widespread use of autonomous technology over the next decade. Axalta is on the leading edge of making these advancements and enabling the auto industry to get to the next level."

On emerging trends in automotive color, Lockhart, commented, "While white is and has been the world's most popular color, we are seeing a trend to warmer tones and customization in different parts of the world. We are looking forward to addressing customization trends -- including two toning, different color roofs and stripes. It was a privilege to lead the conversation."

In January, Axalta unveiled a golden bronze shade named "Sahara" as the 2019 Automotive Color of the Year. Sahara was launched as a color ideal for vehicle customization both in a factory setting and in the aftermarket. While conveying warmth, richness and strength, the tone is suitable for vehicles of all sizes, especially the fast-growing segments of trucks and SUVs. It could serve as the main shade in many two-tome combinations.

In addition, Axalta technologists from Axalta's R&D organization at the Global Innovation Center in Philadelphia, presented fundamental methods and analyses that improve paint application and color control.  John Moore presented on atomization studies and Matt Irwin presented on a new method for improved color control. Axalta Vice President of Global Transportation Coatings Technology Matthew Boland again served as the event's vice chairperson and was instrumental in setting the conference's speaker line-up.

"One of the great things about FOCUS is that participants leave the event with workable solutions to problems they will face at the office tomorrow," said Boland. "Axalta is proud to have such an extensive role at this Conference to discuss important trends in the market and how new innovations are playing a role driving better outcomes for customers throughout the world. We are proud to be a technology leader and to help our industry continue to evolve with new players, new requirements and new ways of thinking."

Being held for the 44th consecutive year, more than 400 coatings suppliers, automotive OEMs, industry influencers and local students are expected for the day-long event hosted by the Detroit Society for Coatings Technology. For more information on the FOCUS conference, visit dsctfocus.org

About Axalta

Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable solutions. From light OEM vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications to electric motors, buildings and pipelines, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enable the materials we coat to last longer. With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the approximately 14,000 people of Axalta continue to find ways to serve our more than 100,000 customers in 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information, visit axalta.com and follow us @Axalta on Twitter and on LinkedIn. 

SOURCE Axalta

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