THE AREA OF CLEAR COATS FOR AUTOMOTIVE OEM APPLICATIONS IS EXPERIENCING GREAT CHANGE. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA SUCH AS ENVIRONMENTAL ETCH RESISTANCE AND EMISSION REDUCTION HAVE GIVEN RISE TO NEW CLEAR COAT CHEMISTRIES. HOWEVER, THE PRIORITIES OF EACH REGION ARE NOT THE SAME, WHICH LEADS TO VARIATION IN COATINGS TECHNOLOGY. THIS CREATES A COMPLEX SITUATION FOR COATING SUPPLIERS, WHICH ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MAJOR WORLD MARKETS.