2013 Two-Wheeler Special: BASF: Youth to define colour trends in India

German chemical major and automotive OEM coatings manufacturer BASF has done some crystal-ball gazing on future automotive colour trends for the Indian sub-continent. Backed by the socio-economic sentiments and the fast development in the region, BASF officials anticipate that neutral colours such as black, grey, silver and white will remain among the popular colour choices. They also forecast that shades of nature-related colours such as green and brown will emerge, defining a gradual preference for a leisure-oriented urban lifestyle.

However, for motorcycles, the officials say that vivid colours such as red, blue, yellow with effects (sparkle, gloss, matt) will likely gain prominence due to the shift in the profile of two-wheeler buyers. Meanwhile, neutral colours (black, grey, white) will continue to define volumes in two-wheeler paint coatings as well.

According to BASF, the market size of paint coatings in the two-wheeler segment in India stands around 15.7 million litres (one litre per vehicle; total 15.7 million units produced in 2012). Incidentally, BASF coats two-thirds of all motorcycles made in Japan.

Having crossed yearly sales of one billion Euros in India, the company committed Rs 1,000 crore in investments to build a plant in Dahej, Gujarat last year. This unit will be a hub for polyurethane manufacturing and polymer dispersions for coatings and paper. The upcoming plant is expected to strengthen the supplies to the South Asian markets and complement other facilities located in Mangalore, Thane and Ankleshwar, Gujarat. The company is increasingly conducting R&D in areas specifically for the Indian market. BASF’s coatings technical support lab backs the Mangalore site as well as the international networks of the coatings division. It is also involved in product development, analytical testing, certification and new pigment qualification.

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INTERVIEW WITH CHIHARU MATSUHARA, CHIEF COLOUR DESIGNER, BASF JAPAN



What are the new colour trends in the Indian two wheeler market?

While neutral colours (black, grey, white) will remain volume colours, red would gain prominence too. As more youngsters — especially women riders — are buying two-wheelers for their own use, their individual tastes will be reflected in their personal choices.

We will see more colour shades such as high chroma sporty colours with sparkle, gloss effects on vivid red, yellow and blue which are typical motorcycle colour tones not seen in India yet. Other stylish character colours can range from pink to magenta, reddish blue (similar to violet) and brown family colours.

How much do two-wheeler OEMs in India use matt finish on various colour shades?

Matt finish attracts design-conscious buyers and is used by OEMs in India for limited, premium models. It projects a sporty image and is a big global trend.

How do you conclude that a specific colour trend will pick up in the future?

We focus on the mood of the era. People’s minds are influenced by the economy, society and lifestyle which changes by the circumstances. We also study the popular segments, models, shapes and customer’s utility along with the specific cultural aspects — all influence the future colour trends.

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INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTOPHE CAZABEAU, CEO, COATINGS SOLUTIONS, BASF INDIA



What parameters define sustainability in two-wheeler-specific paint coatings?

Quality, long-last performance and cost are important for manufacturers. BASF is continually developing sustainable, eco-efficient coating solutions that provide outstanding performance in terms of protection (scratch resistance, corrosion resistance, UV resistance, gasohol resistance) and aesthetic effects (colour, texture, visual effects).

With a bunch of two-wheeler OEs assembling big bikes in India, what are the prospects of paint coatings in this area?

Big bikes have higher quality requirements on paint, in terms of performance and appearance which BASF is capable to deliver.

AMIT PANDAY