In the vehicle refinish sector, Daimler has trusted the quality of the premium products from Standox for several years now. However, what this global group appreciates about Standox goes way beyond vehicle refinishes.
Before a major vehicle manufacturer like Daimler opts for a paint brand, it subjects the maker’s products and systems to close scrutiny. It is here that, in extensive analyses and tests in a wide range of climatic conditions, the high quality of Standox products has been consistently confirmed. Today, all the key paint systems from Standox for cars and commercial vehicles are approved for the refinishing of Daimler vehicles.
Impeccable paint quality
The extent to which the Stuttgart-based company depends on the forward-looking properties of Standox materials is impressively demonstrated by the fact that a large proportion of the bodyshops of the Daimler Group supplied by Standox were using the Standohyd waterborne paint system before the EU Solvent Directive came into effect on 1st January 2007. Among them are the Mercedes-Benz paint and body centres served by the Wuppertal paint manufacturer. Today, it is not only European and North American Mercedes-Benz workshops that depend on Standohyd, but also increasingly paintshops in Australia and Asia. For instance, Yanase, the biggest Japanese vehicle importer, uses Standox waterborne paints as does the MB Bin Hung branch in Taipei on Taiwan.
Daimler only recently approved the innovative Standoflash system for MicroRepairs. The use of UV technology permits the quick and inexpensive repair of minor damage and thus improves workshops’ capacity and profitability. Another example of forward-looking products from Standox is scratch-resistant Standocryl VOC Platinum Clearcoat. With its pronounced resistance to mechanical and chemical aggression, it gives vehicles long-term protection from microscopic scratches and loss of gloss.
Worldwide training and services
For a long time now, successful cooperation has no longer been confined solely to the supply of paint materials. The global cooperation agreement signed in 2006 comprises a whole package of services for further improving the profitability and management processes of the bodyshops in the Daimler Group. The close cooperation has recently been confirmed by a worldwide audit for the entire Standox quality management system. At a regional level, Standox specialists support the workshops in all technical aspects of vehicle refinishing as well as in business management activities, such as improving work processes. Also provided are training sessions for refinishers that take account of the special requirements of the Daimler Group repair shops.
Daimler and Standox also work together in the growing classic car segment. Together with the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Fellbach near Stuttgart, Standox has drawn up painting recommendations that today constitute the standard for historic vehicle restoration at the Classic Center.
Competence that builds confidence
For a globally operating automotive producer, protecting the environment is of course a central concern. Consequently, Daimler also expects its partners to make special efforts. Standox only recently obtained successful recertification to ISO 14001:2004, the international standard for environmental management systems. This not only confirms the Wuppertal company’s commitment to sustainable processes, but also its observance of its responsibility to future generations.
Brand Manager Dr Julio Salcedas believes his company is well equipped for further successful cooperation. “The many years of close cooperation form a sound basis. There will be no let-up in our future efforts to give our partner Daimler the best results in all areas at all times.”
The Standox Calendar “Color Codes 2009” presents classic cars and exquisite sports cars in unusual settings.
We need a strong partner
 Interstandox: How long has Daimler been trusting in the product quality of the Standox brand?
Hermann Kik: Cooperation started in the mid-Eighties and has grown steadily since then. It has been confirmed again only recently in a worldwide Quality Management System Audit (QMSA). Our partners’ complete quality management systems were assessed with the focus on strengths in the after-sales sector.
Interstandox: What requirements does a paint manufacturer have to meet for global cooperation with Daimler?
Hermann Kik: First and foremost, of course, we expect outstanding product quality and comprehensive paint expertise. This also includes first-rate service and worldwide technical support. And we naturally need a strong partner with all the attributes of a global player.
Interstandox: What is the importance of product training at Daimler? What form does cooperation take in the training field?
Hermann Kik: Training has to take account of the growing complexity of products and technologies. And this is why the training of our employees enjoys high priority. Standox supports us with training and consultations tailored specifically to our needs. Our sprayers are also familiarized in the process with the techniques of the future, such as MicroRepair and the latest Colour Tools.
Interstandox: How important is cooperation in the field of “tradition and classics”?
Hermann Kik: Close cooperation is very important not only because the market is growing, but also because our brands have a long history. For the restoration of classic cars, our Mercedes-Benz Classic Center has issued paint recommendations in cooperation with Standox that ensure the optimum in true-to-original finishes while complying with today’s environmental demands.
Interstandox: Why do a large number of Daimler Group workshops in Europe prefer to paint with Standox?
Hermann Kik: With Standox products our workshops achieve superlative results even in less than ideal conditions. Our workshops also appreciate Standox as a reliable local partner who provides quick and competent assistance.
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