The Electric Age
By Chris Collier
Electric cars are all the buzz these days (pun intended). Situated in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, SEMA Electrified is an exhibit area featuring advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology, including new products and solutions for EV platforms and conversions. Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events, says, “The EV aftermarket is evolving quickly and continues to change …” What does the electric age signal for the paint protection film (PPF) segment?
Merging Markets
In July, XPEL, a global provider of protective films and coatings, announced it was selected as the exclusive supplier to American electric vehicle automaker Rivian Automotive for its new PPF factory-direct program. By the terms of the agreement, Rivian Automotive will offer factory direct PPF options to its customers ordering their new R1T and R1S models beginning late 2022. Customers can choose between two PPF option packages: front gloss paint guard or full body satin paint guard.
XPEL and Rivian’s vehicle engineering and design teams developed the paint guard packages cooperatively to enhance the adventures of R1T and R1S owners, according to the release. XPEL will operate an installation facility in close proximity to Rivian’s Normal, Ill., assembly plant to ensure installation quality control.
Cars, They Are a-Changin’
Whether their rides are silent, electric trucks or grumbling, gas-guzzling muscle cars, enthusiasts want to protect their investments. Dodge revealed its stunning Charger Daytona SRT Concept this August, marking its grand entrance into an electric era. The model will have an 800-volt electrical architecture called “Banshee.”
Cars’ internals and externals are shifting, but PPF suppliers and dealers will be more than ready to protect them.
Chris Collier is the editor of PPFMag. Email him at ccollier@glass.com and connect with him on LinkedIn.
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