As 2024 wraps up, we’re rolling out the red carpet for the stories that had everyone talking! From Tesla’s budget-friendly prices and a flashy new color to viral “pregnant car” drama in China, this year brought plenty of excitement. Dive into the action with Conco’s factory reveal, debates over America’s color lag and a bold new player in factory paint protection film (PPF). Plus, XPEL dominates headlines with lawsuits, partnerships and big plans. Whether you’re in it for the drama, innovation or business insights, these top 10 stories are the perfect rewind of a thrilling year in the PPF industry!
#10. XPEL’s Reps Talk Tint World Partnership
In a partnership that may end up being about more than just supplying film, Tint World and XPEL have inked a deal that makes the San Antonio-based film brand the primary supplier to the national franchise chain. Read more.
#9. 5 Ways Signature Packages Can Change Your Business
James Melfi, PPF product manager at XPEL, discusses five ways signature packages – which are a combination of PPF, ceramic coatings and window film – can improve your business. Read more.
#8. XPEL Discusses Company Future, Sales Results on Earnings Call
CEO Ryan Pape discusses XPEL’s health after its Q4 and annual earnings report. “We are pleased with our full year 2023 performance and closed out the year with solid growth in the fourth quarter.” Read more.
#7. The Nation’s Top PPF Dealers
Each year, PPFMag compiles a list of the PPF market’s top dealers by revenue. Find out which dealers made the list in 2024. Read more.
#6. Investment Firm Files Class Action Lawsuit Against XPEL
A San Diego investment firm has filed a class action lawsuit against XPEL, alleging the company misled investors about market challenges and revenue growth. Read more.
#5. Another Auto Manufacturer Enters the Factory PPF Game
Ford is stepping up its customization game, introducing a matte clear PPF option for the Mustang lineup. This factory-installed upgrade blends protection with style, sparking debate among enthusiasts and critics. Read more.
#4. Viral ‘Pregnant Cars’ in China Show Possible Color PPF Failure
Videos of cars with bubbling hoods and sides in China have gone viral, sparking debates over PPF failure in extreme heat. Experts speculate the issue stems from color PPF made by laminating vinyl wraps to clear TPU, with heat causing outgassing and bubbles. Read more.
#3. American PPF Manufacturers are Behind on Color Offerings
“Growing up a Pennsylvanian in the 90s can lead you to pay keen attention to global trends that threaten American manufacturing dominance. Blame for why this happened aside, these trends were most pronounced in the Keystone state, resulting in de-industrialization, de-population and an overall decline in America’s talent pool and manufacturing prowess. I fear the same thing could happen on a micro–scale in PPF—specifically color PPF—if American companies don’t get busy quickly.” Read more of Casey Flores’ opinion piece.
#2. Conco Snapshot: See Inside the Company’s Korean Film Plant
Few U.S. installers know Conco by name, but many use its products. This South Korea-based manufacturer, known domestically for its premium Anyguard brand, is a powerhouse in private-label PPF and window films. Read more, and see photos from inside the factory.
#1. Tesla Drops PPF Installation Prices, Introduces New Color
Tesla has shaken up its OEM PPF program just three months in, dropping full-body installation prices by nearly 25% and introducing a new Satin Abyss Blue option. While some in the industry are surprised by the price cuts, the impact on local PPF shops remains uncertain. Read more.