PITTSBURGH - PPG Industries Inc. captured a PACE Award for automotive-product innovation for the company's recently introduced FrameCoat electrodeposition coatings for automotive and light-truck chassis components. PPG has been recognized by the PACE Award program, sponsored by Automotive News and Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, for three consecutive years, the company said.

The FrameCoat coatings are designed to meet automotive OEM manufacturers' requirements for 10-year corrosion protection and represent an alternative to hot-wax products that traditionally are applied to chassis components of cars and light trucks, PPG said.

PPG said the coatings are being applied to DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes M-Class sport utility vehicles; Ford's Expedition, Super Crew, Explorer and Sports Trac models; and General Motors' Trail Blazer.

Michael Ludlow, PPG vice president of Industrial Coatings, said the award "serves as testimony to our leadership in developing new coatings products and solutions for the transportation industry."

PPG earned a PACE Award in 2001 for its Audioguard sound- and vibration-damping coating. In 2000, the company was recognized for its Enviracryl powder clear coat used on BMW autos made in Germany.