For 55th Anniversary, Ziebart Introduces Its Most High-Tech, Proprietary New Product -- Z-Shield Paint Protection Film -- Since Inventing Rustproofing In 1959

TROY, Mich., May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ziebart International Corp., the global leader in automotive detailing, films and protection services, is proud to introduce its proprietary Z-Shield® paint protection film to customers nationwide, it was announced today.

"This is simply the best paint protection film and professional installation process we have ever offered our customers," said Daniel C. Baker, President of Ziebart Corporation (U.S. subsidiary of Ziebart International). "We have spent years and an unprecedented amount of resources to develop, refine and deliver to our franchisees and our customers Z-Shield® paint protection film. It's an optically clear film protection for all or any part of your vehicle that is formulated to resist chips and marks from stones and road debris."

Baker likened the Z-Shield® paint protection film product to a plastic film smartphone protector, except this paint protection film is almost as smart as your phone given its self-healing attributes. He said the company is excited about this new product introduction coinciding with its 55^th Anniversary year in business in June 2014.

"We have gone to great lengths to test this product, we have field-tested this product in harsh winter conditions and in the burning heat of Middle Eastern deserts and it has exceeded expectations," said Baker.  The Z-Shield film comes in gauges of .6 mil and .8 mil and carries a national warranty backed by Ziebart.

Baker said the newest .6 mil film has been engineered and manufactured to 'self-heal' from minor scratches such as abrasions from automatic car washes and keeps paint finishes looking new. He said the new Z-Shield film is tougher, has UV protecting properties, is optically clear and won't fade or yellow.

"Our initial products were optically clear, superior to other products on the market but we thought we could make them even better so we delayed the Z-Shield product launch for a year to introduce a wholly new product that we are putting the Ziebart proprietary stamp on with Z-Shield," he said. "We even conducted customer focus groups to make certain this new film is what customers wanted and is priced ala carte or package based on a customer's protection needs."

Baker said the company conducted paint protection film lab testing in Michigan but some of the important 'real world' field-testing was done in the Middle East given extreme heat and sandstorm conditions.

"Imagine having a new high-end luxury car or exotic sports car in 120-degree heat and getting caught in a sand storm or dust-up in a desert climate," said Baker.  "With Z-Shield clients had the peace of mind knowing that instead of a $20,000 new paint job, they simply had to make an appointment to have their paint protection film replaced for a fraction of the cost of a new paint job." Baker added that similar dust storms have been known to occur in western states here in the USA, adding that even miniature dust devils in the city can swirl sand, dirt and stone chips against a vehicle finish.

Z-Shield® Paint Protection Film is professionally applied by a Ziebart technician.  The proprietary .6 mil or .8 mil film is computer-cut by a plotter that is programmed with the part and shape design of more than 4,000 vehicles.

Customers may choose to have just the forward or front portions of their vehicle protected by Z-Shield, the entire hood, doors and many have the rear bumper top done to guard against scratch marks from hauling things in and out of the trunk. Ziebart's pricing for Z-Shield allows for customers to choose select areas, bundle or even wrap the entire vehicle if desired. Z-Shield paint protection film is available at most of Ziebart's 100 U.S. locations.

Ziebart International Corporation represents a global franchise network of vehicle appearance and protection services for over 55 years. Kurt Ziebart, the corporation's late founder, rust protected his first vehicle in 1954 and established the business in Detroit, Michigan in 1959. The corporation currently operates 400 locations in 32 countries with over 800 processing centers worldwide. Ziebart is the world's leading name in automotive services that protect, preserve and enhance the appearance of cars and trucks.  For location information visit Ziebart.com.

SOURCE Ziebart International Corp.