Once again, the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown the international consumer marketplace another curveball. Thanks to a widespread semiconductor shortage and “exponential increase” in demand for microchips, which are in short supply, new autos and trucks may be harder to come by in Europe, the U.S. and other parts of the globe. This may come as tough news for many to accept just as throngs of consumers worldwide are anxious, following so many months of pandemic restrictions and limited shopping options, to get back out on the roadand possibly shop for a brand-new vehicle this year. But the current global microchip crisis may take things in a different direction.
Since the automotive industry in Europe isn’t the only sector impeded by the semiconductor and microchip shortage, it makes the situation all the more complicated, according to a recent article in Automotive News Europe. The trade publication noted that “in the short and middle term, it will be difficult to find solutions.” They also shared the news that that the VDA industry association recently cut “its forecast for production growth in Germany to 3 percent from 13 percent previously, noting production had fallen ‘significantly below expectations’ in recent months.” It now expects “3.6 million cars to be made in Germany this year, down by 400,000 units from its last forecast.”
This dynamic has been made even more complex because many European automakers down shifted production in 2020 during the peak of the initial Covid-19 pandemic wave. (This being a direct result of the many “stay at home” lockdowns across the Continent, as well as anticipation of less-than-zealous buyers visiting new car showrooms.) And now—as restrictions in many countries have eased and consumers have a greater overall comfort in possibly making larger retail purchase—supply chain issues have forced the automotive and new car industry into another “wait and see” holding pattern.
This is tough news economically for the automotive dealer-retailer segment and for auto consumers, who may have their hearts set on obtaining only the latest models rolling off the production line. But for auto enthusiasts, it also may open a wealth of interest in getting the most mileage out of their existing automobiles, trucks, vans and RVs—and finding fresh, creative ways to make something old “new” once again.
Surprisingly, the well-used automobile or truck sitting in the garage is suddenly making a hot comeback like never before.
And there is no technology more poised to help step in and offer customers an affordable facelift for their vehicles than Bullet Liner. Our premier elastomer spray-on protective coating is exactly what aging automobile and trucks need to extend their vehicle’s lifecycle and rejuvenate both value and overall functionality. For the past three decades, Bullet Liner has pioneered the protective spray-on protective sealant category, offering high quality coating that provides a “high calibre shield” against road debris and abrasion, dents and dings, extreme weathering and sun damage. Bullet Liner’s heavy duty, tensile strength coating can help keep car, truck and off-the-road vehicle exteriors—and even interiors—looking sharper and lasting longer.
In terms of sun exposure alone, Bullet Liner prevents premature fading, cracking and peeling, especially when vehicles stored in climate-extreme outdoor areas spend hours baking in the heat without covering. Bullet Liner also offers colour protection from UV sunlight and won’t bubble or flake, even after months of use.
When the climate pendulum swings just as strongly in the other direction, Bullet Liner protection doesn’t miss a beat. It still will still not crack, peel or fade. What’s more, Bullet Liner’s water-tight seal keeps rust and corrosion-causing moisture and ice from damaging your ride.
In fact, our spray-on coating is not only colour safe, but it’s also bleed-safe. Our technology solutions have been subjected time and time again to extensive testing (both in rigorous laboratory conditions and in the field) to ensure that—even in varying weather degrees such as cold, heat and humidity—Bullet Liner formulations remain resilient and perform well on a multitude of vehicle surfaces.
Additionally, our spray on coating is available in an array of colours and can be custom matched to existing exterior paint jobs. And for this reason, our elastomer sealant is more than simply a protective agent—it also offers an affordable trusted way to add to new colour and style to an older, aging vehicle.
In addition to delivering an ideal solution for exterior vehicle surfaces such as wheel wells, fenders, bumpers and truck beds, Bullet Liner sealant also provides a viable means of refreshing auto and truck interiors as well. Our formulations can easily be applied to vehicle floors, certain types of seats, steering wheels, dashboards, various interior surfaces, gloveboxes/jockey boxes, and more.
Bullet Liner is a durable, consistent sealant that can cover damaged or blemished areas of autos and trucks offering a fresh new look, even while the vehicles themselves may not be brand new. The simple addition of our spray-on sealant can add years to an existing purchase for the enjoyment of both passengers and drivers. Qualified spray shops across the European Continent and around the globe receive specialized training to apply Bullet Liner sealant for professional “off the showroom” stylings that can often rival new car aesthetics.
To learn more about how Bullet Liner technology can offer an alternative solution to a new vehicle purchase this year as pandemic related supply chain issues persist, or to learn more about how your automotive aftermarket business can assist automotive consumers during this time, please visit www.BulletLinerIntl.com.
Team Bullet Liner