AkzoNobel secures McLaren Automotive supply deal

AkzoNobel has signed an agreement to supply advanced paint technology to McLaren Automotive, building on the success of the existing corporate partnership with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes (VMM) Formula 1 team. Through its Sikkens automotive brand, AkzoNobel has been the official supplier of paint solutions to VMM since 2008. The new agreement now extends this relationship to include road cars and will see the company offer technology-led paint solutions for the MP4-12C and MP4-12C Spider, as well as the P1 and other future cars when they enter production. “We’re proud to have been selected to supply paint for McLaren’s road cars,” said Keith Nichols, AkzoNobel’s CFO. “The extension of our technology partnership to include road cars confirms that our color excellence and advanced coatings meet the most stringent customer requirements. Whether we are perfecting a particular finish or meeting the need for fewer layers of paint, offering a competitive advantage and building strong relationships such as this are vital for our business. We therefore look forward to an ongoing and mutually beneficial cooperation with McLaren.” Vehicles produced by McLaren Automotive have similar characteristics to the VMM F1 cars in that they require coatings which must conform to rigorous technical standards, such as keeping weight to an absolute minimum. Speaking at the signing of the agreement, Ron Dennis CBE, Executive Chairman of McLaren Automotive, noted: “McLaren high performance sports cars take the raw elements of Formula 1 principles, processes and performance and forge them into world-leading road cars. That’s why I’m so pleased we have extended our successful, long-term relationship with AkzoNobel.” “For more than four years, they have provided Vodafone McLaren Mercedes with a technological advantage by designing paint solutions which deliver excellence. I am confident that they will continue to offer outstanding paint solutions, to both McLaren Automotive and our customers.” AkzoNobel is the largest global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. We supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and are passionate about developing sustainable answers for our customers. Our portfolio includes well known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we are consistently ranked as one of the leaders in the area of sustainability. With operations in more than 80 countries, our 55,000 people around the world are committed to excellence and delivering.