01 Shift toward Soft-Touch and Haptic Surface Finishes A shift toward soft-touch and haptic surface finishes is reshaping interior coating preferences in automotive OEM applications. Vehicle cabins are increasingly designed to deliver premium sensory experience through smooth, cushioned, and tactile surfaces. Soft-touch coatings enhance perceived quality on dashboards, door panels, and center consoles while improving comfort during interaction. Haptic-enabled surfaces further support intuitive control systems by combining touch response with feedback. Growing focus on user experience and cabin refinement encourages wider use of coatings that balance aesthetics, durability, and advanced tactile performance.
August 2022- Axalta introduced new basecoat technology for Latin American automotive refinish market.
October 2022- BASF opened a surface treatment innovation and technology center in China for Chemetall.