Standox managing director Jurgen Knorr warns that the automotive refinishing industry is in a “process of fundamental change”.

Singling out the UK as having the greatest shrinkage in bodyshop numbers throughout Europe, Knorr says the decline will continue across the continent unabated.

“In the UK the number of bodyshops has been reduced by more than two thirds in the past 12 years, and a continued strong decline is expected,” he says.

Knorr was speaking at Standox’s press launch on the eve of Automechanika’s opening at Frankfurt last week. However, in a move that surprised some industry figures, the refinishing giant chose not to attend this year’s event.

“Following thorough consideration, we have decided not to exhibit at Automechanika – after all, exhibiting at a trade show requires a significant capital expenditure which must produce a measurable return for the company,” Knorr told AM, adding: “We believe, however, that the size and varied nature of such a big event inevitably means that a part of one’s exhibition effort is mis-directed. We therefore think that we will get better results from targeted events giving us even more direct access to our customers.”

Standox unveiled its AluShine paint, which offers a dull, aluminium-like finish. Aimed at cars having a complete respray, the new finish offers different appearances, from a shiny aluminium effect to a satin finish, depending on which clear-coat is used.

The finish will be available to authorised and specially-trained refinishers across mainland Europe and in the UK.