Timing for this announcement coincides with heightened attention from governmental agencies throughout North American on the environment. This is particularly true with the rapidly advancing conversion deadlines that currently are being addressed by collision repair centers in California.

Driven by the aggressive environmental regulatory controls established for Europe in the early 90s, the Sikkens Autowave system already has become a mainstay for premier collision repair centers throughout the continent.

"We are pleased with this endorsement from GM on our Sikkens Autowave waterborne solution," noted Tim Loden, director of marketing for Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes of the Americas. "Balancing concerns for the environment with those of our customers is a key motivator for Akzo Nobel. Waterborne technology is a change; however, our California shops who have been early adopters have found both the Sikkens Autowave system and the training assistance we are providing makes conversion virtually seamless."