Daimler AG has signed an agreement with AkzoNobel Performance Coatings, making the company one of the approved suppliers of vehicle refinishes to Daimler dealerships and approved bodyshops worldwide.

The contract covers the supply and support of AkzoNobel’s Sikkens brand to the company’s dealership network including Mercedes-Benz, Smart, and Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles.

“We are delighted to have been approved as a global supplier for one of the world’s leading automotive companies,” said Jörg Anders, a key account manager in AkzoNobel’s Vehicle Refinishes business. “The deal reflects the industry’s trust in our products and services, our strength in product innovation and color matching, and in particular the range of services and support that we offer our customers.”

The approval was achieved after extensive analysis and tests of Sikkens products and a thorough investigation of industrial and business processes run at AkzoNobel, which demonstrated compliance with the highest automotive industry standards.

Daimler said the partnership with AkzoNobel will support the company’s growth plans in the worldwide body and paint business: It added that AkzoNobel’s product range and product quality is greatly respected by the industry and is delivered with a high level of service and support.

Simon Parker, managing director of AkzoNobel’s Vehicle Refinishes business added: “This is a very significant partnership with a leading global manufacturer. We were able to achieve this because of our truly global supply position, along with our strength and depth in innovation, color and peerless customer service.”