NEWSWATCH

PPG Industries (Troy, MI) recently launched its Dura-Prime electrocoat, a lead-free technology that provides protection against UV degradation and helps automakers reduce costs associated with the application process by eliminating the need for a primer surfacer layer. It provides the same level of protection against corrosion and chipping as current electrocoat technologies, the company says.

The product was commercialized by PPG in Kedah, Malaysia, at Inokom Corp., a joint venture of Renault, Hyundai Motor Co., Hyumal Motor, Berjaya Group Berhad and Pesumals. The manufacturer is applying the coatings technology to its line of vans and trucks.