Dubai: AUTOMAX Service Center changes over to environmentally friendly 90 Line		02/10/2009

High-quality products, close to its customers: Glasurit strengthens its position in the Middle East

Münster / Dubai. For more and more bodyshops in the Middle East, Glasurit® has become the product of choice. Glasurit, a BASF Coatings’ paint brand, has strengthened its position in the market for automotive refinish products in the United Arab Emirates. Now, AUTOMAX, a service center offering vehicle repairs and refinishing work in Dubai, has changed over to the environmentally friendly waterborne basecoats from Glasurit 90 Line.

However, BASF is not just supplying the paint. It is also training AUTOMAX employees in the use of 90 Line. In addition, the experts at BASF provide support for problems arising in the application process on site. AUTOMAX is growing. Currently, the company operates its sole body shop in Dubai, but by August 2009, three more shops are scheduled to open in other emirates of the UAE.

AUTOMAX is a state-of-the-art high-tech service center offering a whole range of specialized services and repairs. The company’s range of services includes major and minor repairs; full body and paint shop facilities; diagnostics; emission control; electrical and AC repairs; tires and alloy wheels; multimedia, audio and video installations; upholstery; accessories and body kits; warranty packages and advice on insurance matters.

When Iqbal Rauf, General Manager of AUTOMAX, started operations back in 2008, he knew that Glasurit would be his product of choice for the company’s refinishing work. “At my previous place of employment, I had already worked with Glasurit paints and got to know the products’ high quality first hand. On top of that, I am convinced by Glasurit’s intensive and competent customer service,” Rauf said.

The market for automotive refinish products in the Middle East continues to be a growth market. BASF has sold automotive paints in the region for over 30 years, first via importers and since 2007, through BASF Kanoo Gulf FZE, its own agency for the automotive refinish product business. “Our aim is not just to supply excellent products. We also constantly seek contact to our customers and in so doing, aim to meet our goal to be a reliable partner,” explained Country Manager Arie Verboon. 

“90 Line”

Glasurit 90 Line is the world's most successful waterborne basecoat system. 90 Line complies with all European VOC directives on the reduction of solvents. It enables refinishing of metallic, special-effect and solid-color finishes and thus covers all modern passenger car refinishing needs. All 90 Line products stand out for their high mechanical, chemical and physical durability, analogous to automotive OEM coating. Another special 90 Line feature is the long shelf life of 60 months of the mixing bases. In addition, the waterborne paint system allows spraypainters to apply the products in conventional spray booths and maintain the spraying techniques they have learned to use with solventborne topcoat lines, including all the usual refinishing techniques.