Paint maker R-M, part of BASF, has launched Express rapid spot repair system which it says meets carmaker warranty standards.

The system uses products from R-M's standard paint portfolio, ensuring it meets environmental legislation. R-M believes Express will open a new market for its bodyshop customers, who may have had misgivings about cosmetic repair.

The Express programme is supported by Call Back which ensures quotes for work not repaired are logged and followed up at a future date. Call Back achieved a 41% hit rate during trials.

R-M has launched its latest range of Extreme special effect paints at a much reduced price. This has been possible partly because the system, which features a triple-flip effect, is now produced at R-M's Clermont head office in France, instead of the US.

Extreme paints can be used as part of a solvent-based system which makes them compatible on a wider range of cars. It was used to refinish the TVR Tuscan sportscar driven by John Travolta in the Swordfish blockbuster.