In recent years, safety and technology have found themselves on a level playing field between auto manufacturers. At the 2008 North American Auto Show in Detroit, automakers made lengthy efforts to emphasize personalization for drivers. The new rage is dull, as in matte. Glossy paint jobs are no longer associated with luxury. An entirely matte finish vehicle is a brand new concept.
Karen Surcina, color technology and marketing manager of Dupont Automotive, said buyers should expect to see matte finishes in the next two or three years. "The trend is toward more personalization," Surcina said. "Automakers are looking to differentiate their vehicles. One of the ways to do that is through bright and bold colors."
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Matte Car Finishes
- Automakers are looking towards matte finishes for cars as a new trend in personalization and differentiation.
- Personalized Vehicles
- Car manufacturers are focusing on customization to differentiate their vehicles and offer buyers more unique options.
- Dull Is the New Luxury
- Matte finishes are becoming popular in the automotive industry as a new way to represent luxury and exclusivity.
Where This Applies
- Automotive
- Manufacturers can disrupt the industry by offering personalized and matte finishes to differentiate themselves from competitors.
- Paint and Coatings
- As the popularity of matte finishes grows in the automotive industry, there is opportunity for innovation in the development of new matte finishes and technologies.
- Design Services
- As car customization becomes more popular, there is a growing need for design services that can help buyers personalize their vehicles.
