Interstandox 72

index 1

Interstandox 72 the world of vehicle refinishes

Classic cars

Attracting new customers with Classic Color Partner

exclusivelineXL

A triumph for the Art of Refinishing

Mobility

Drive technologies for the car of the future

GB

2 Contents

title story Attracting classic car customers with Classic Color Partner . 4 Tip for refinishers: old paintwork as the substrate . . . . . . . 6 j o u r n a l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 products Standox 2K Metal Stopper simplifies body repairs . . . . . . . . . . 9 workshop management exclusivelineXL: a triumph for the Art of Refinishing . . . . 10 Hazardous substances: two directives until 2015 . . . . . . 12 gallery Timeless beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 international Respected Belgian bodyshop opts for Standoblue . . . . . 14 guest article Drive technologies for the car of the future . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Events like Schloss Dyck’s Classic Days are a good opportunity for bodyshops to present their services. With its Classic Color Partner strategy, Standox supports bodyshops that want to cash in on this lucrative market.

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imprint Interstandox The world of vehicle refinishes Interstandox is intended solely for internal use. We would be glad to grant approval to requests for reproduction.

Published by the Interstandox Editorial Board Standox GmbH, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany E-Mail: sandra.piwonski@deu.standox.com Responsible for content: Sandra Piwonski Concept/copy editing: K1 Gesellschaft für Kommunikation mbH, Ulf Kartte, Cologne Graphic design, image processing: 230Volt, Axel Helmus, Düsseldorf Images: Title picture: Standox GmbH Standox® is a registered trademark.

Any car, and not just stylish ones, can be given a facelift with the extraordinary colours of exclusivelineXL. We present four examples showing everything that’s possible with the new effect paints.

Page 10

Which drive system will ultimately come out on top?

Rising petrol prices, new regulations for climate protection and advances in battery technology are making the electric motor a promising alternative to the classic internal combustion engine.

Page 15

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editorial 3

A subtle difference I recently drove to the shops with my wife. Next to the supermarket was an accident repair shop that evidently shared the car park with the supermarket. A good opportunity to see what they’ve got to offer, I thought. In the bodyshop’s reception area I came across a magazine. “The ten most stressful things in life” was the headline of one of the articles. Second place on the list was a visit to a bodyshop.

Only filling in a tax form was more stressful, I read. Looking around, I noticed that the reception area was bright and cheerful, and the staff looked relaxed and seemed to know what they were doing. So I stayed.

After a surprisingly short wait, it was my turn to be served. A competent young woman

Zvonimir Simunovic, Brand Manager Standox GmbH.

with a welcoming smile at the service desk told me about the range of services provided by the repairer. During our chat, my eye was caught by professional-looking brochures in a display on such subjects as paint warranties, classic car restoration and courtesy cars. As an alternative to a courtesy car, they advertised a “Bike-Plus Spring and Summer Offer”, which meant you got a bike and a free bus ticket if the repair took longer than three days. “Nice idea,” I thought, impressed.

Returning to the car, I noticed a note under the windscreen wiper – a quick assessment of the state of our vehicle’s paintwork, an estimate of the repair cost and the offer of a bike (see above). My wife was delighted. I told her that the micro repair that our car needed wouldn’t take three days. But she was already on her way to the bodyshop.

The young woman at the counter entered the data of our car into a tablet PC and we had a precise quote within a couple of minutes. As I expected, the repair would take a day and not three. My wife is not one to give in easily and after broaching the subject briefly with the boss, the matter of the bike was settled in our favour. And I was not only totally relaxed, but I also had a good feeling.

Does a trip to a bodyshop really have to be stressful? Not at all – if you get a few things right.

Zvonimir Simunovic

4 schwerpunkt

Attracting classic car customers with Classic Color Partner Historic cars are in big demand. Over 1.5 million cars that are 25 years or older are registered in the European Union alone. The market continues to grow – and with it the market for repairs to these cherished possessions.

Standox is supporting classic repairs in bodyshops with marketing strategies, highly advanced Color Tools and comprehensive repair solutions, so owners can hand over their cars in total confidence.

Events for classic, vintage and veteran car lovers are held measurements with Genius, the electronic spectrophotometer, in many countries, often attracting many members of and answered paintwork-related questions put by classic the general public. Such car owners. Chatting to owners at the show supported what events

are

an

excellent Standox has always believed: classic paint repairs or complete

opportunity for paintshops resprays are best entrusted to the skilled hands of professional that want to benefit from this bodyshops. This was a fine opportunity for the staff at the exciting market to introduce stand to draw attention to Standox bodyshops specialising in themselves and their work, this kind of work – and to build bridges between the classic and get talking to vehicle scene and refinishers. owners.

Powerful marketing strategy for classic car restorers Events build bridges between the customer and the bodyshop

So that refinishers can make an impression beyond classic car events, Standox has put together its Classic Color Partner

Every year at the beginning of August, motoring enthusiasts, strategy. It comprises a number of attention-getting tools fans and owners of vehicles ranging from modern classics targeted specifically at the owners of classic cars. The strategy to veterans congregate at Schloss Dyck, a moated castle in covers everything from the Class Color Partner logo in various Germany’s Lower Rhine area, for the Classic Days meet, which file formats, to door signs, banners, displays and flags. There is unique throughout Europe. Taking part for the second time is also professional advertising copy and sample letters for was Standox. On the Standox stand, experts carried out colour direct appeals to potential customers. A repair video and a

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title story 5

Using Genius, it’s possible to electronically identify colours quickly and reliably. Regardless of whether the vehicle has already been resprayed or still has the original paintwork, Genius measures the colour at the vehicle and transfers the data to the Standox Standowin colour software. The mixing formula is then calculated by the program and sent straight to brochure written especially for partner bodyshops explain the scales in the mixing room. This way, the refinisher can mix the various stages of an expert paint repair in plain language. the precise colour formulation for each vehicle at any time – Equipped with this marketing package, bodyshops can present an absolute must for a perfect refinish. Using new technology themselves effectively as classic car specialists.

unique to the market, Standox is also making colour searches on the Internet faster and more convenient. Interested

Products and Color Tools for immaculate paintwork

bodyshops can obtain further information on Standox Classic Color Partner from their Standox distributor.

For bodyshops wanting to extend their services into classic car refinishing, Standox offers advanced and cost-effective paint systems that are perfect for the painting of classic vehicles.

To facilitate colour identification, which is often difficult on classic cars, Standox has the ideal solution in the shape of the Genius spectrophotometer.

Reference works for classic cars

Standox is now giving owners and lovers of classic vehicles the chance to obtain detailed information on the original colours of their favourite models. To this end, the Wuppertal paint manufacturer offers an online version of its own catalogue of historic colours for download at www.standox.com/classic. The Standothek brochure Prestige and Classic Cars supplies the refinisher with everything he needs to know about the painting of classic vehicles. Working with the MercedesBenz Classic Center in Fellbach near Stuttgart, Standox has also compiled a 20-page guide called The perfect finish for a classic Mercedes-Benz.

6 title story

Tip for refinishers: old paintwork as the substrate Armin Sauer is Color Coordinator for Standox Germany.

At classic car events, you occasionally see wonderful vehicles as firm as ever. This substrate can then be coated in accordance – with less than beautiful paint surfaces. Cracks and swellings with Standox painting recommendations without risk. In other in the paint can really spoil the appearance of these automotive cases, the old paint reacts to the solvent by softening, swelling gems. What’s the cause of this? In most cases, these defects and even peeling, where it completely loses its adhesion to arise when the original thermoplastic paintwork is not the substrate. In such cases, it’s essential to remove the paint professionally repaired. These paints were in use from the from the entire body and explain to the customer that he can 1940s onwards, mainly in the US car industry and replaced the expect the job to cost more. nitrocellulose paints used until then, which after application still had to be vigorously polished. Thermoplastic paints, on Isolation may be a solution the other hand, produce their famed deep gloss immediately after drying. Bentley, Fiat, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and Jaguar were However, if a customer is unwilling to dig deeper into his still using them up until the Eighties.

pocket, Standox offers an alternative. Metal still coated with this solvent-sensitive old paint can be isolated with an epoxy

As a substrate for a contemporary vehicle refinish, these resin primer filler, which is a primer and a primer filler in one. paints pose problems. This is because they soften in contact It attacks the old paintwork less and is equivalent to 2K filler with solvents or on exposure to high temperatures. Since an in terms of coverage and general topcoat appearance. It thus unstable substrate undermines a modern refinish, there is a forms an excellent basis for the subsequent paint system. risk of cracking. Combined with 2K acrylic fillers, nitrocellulose However, when adopting this process, the refinisher has to and thermoplastic paints can even lose their adhesion. On proceed with great care and must not sand through the isolating solvent-sensitive substrates, an epoxy resin primer filler or layer. When drying the refinish on old paintwork, experienced specially formulated isolating fillers like Standox Nonstop professionals also depart from the usual refinishing procedure Primer Filler therefore represent a good alternative.

when dealing with sensitive old paintwork. Since the paint could be a thermoplastic, it’s better to play safe and opt for

Is the old paintwork firm? Can I overpaint it?

air drying.

These are the vital questions that professionals should If there is any uncertainty about the nature of the substrate, ask before they spray modern refinish paint onto historic Standox advises air drying rather than risking oven drying. paintwork. The first task, however, is to check the film The drying process may take a little longer, but it’s less risky. thickness. If it exceeds 500 µm, you have to sand the paint This approach also has definite advantages for the customer. down. If you don’t, you can expect the paint to peel.

Anyone who invests a few hours at this point in the procedure can be sure of his favourite vehicle making an outstanding

To find out whether the old paint is solvent-sensitive, a solvent impression for years to come. test is recommended as this is a quick way of obtaining dependable results. In the best case, the old paint doesn’t react at all. It neither softens nor becomes detached but stays

Interstandox 72

journal 7

The Menze Design creative agency with Sigurd Nehring (right), the Standox colleague responsible for the image campaign, at the presentation of the red dot award.

Award-winning image campaign For its current image campaign “The Art of Color”, Standox has snapped up two prestigious prizes. The campaign has won the “red dot award: communication design 2011”, one of the world’s most coveted design awards. And in the Automotive Brand Contest, the advertisements made a big impression and were commended with the “abc award”. The award was presented at the world’s biggest motor show, the IAA in Frankfurt.

Recognised partner to the automotive industry No other paint brand has been awarded as many approvals rectification of paintwork damage on its vehicles, the company from leading car markers as Standox. The BMW Group, attaches importance to compliance with the highest quality Munich, recently renewed its recommendation to its branches standards, to advanced technology and to comprehensive and distributors to work with Standox when refinishing technical knowledge. This cooperation was preceded by its vehicles. The recommendation applies to 36 countries numerous tests in which Standox products had to meet the worldwide. The global agreement forms the basis for further car maker’s exacting yardsticks. All the listed products and agreements on the national level. Toyota Motor Europe (TME) processes reach the required quality and performance levels. is extending its partnership with Standox and has listed the

Picture: BMW Group, Munich

Wuppertal manufacturer as a preferred paint supplier. For the

8 journal

2011 car colour trends

White and silver dominate the spectrum Global colour trends reveal a change in 2011. However different tastes may within the leading group of the best- otherwise be, there seems to be a lot of loved car colours. With 22 per cent each, agreement when it comes to colours. The white and silver now claim first place majority of car purchasers still prove to ahead of black. Solid black and black be conservative in their preferences and paints with effects have lost four per choose “achromatic” models. Just a few cent over last year and currently occupy years ago, it was black and silver that third place with a share of 20 per cent. stood for luxury, high tech and elegance Silver has also found less favour with car and thus improved the prospects of buyers, but still comes out on top with reselling cars even in economically the increasingly popular white. These difficult times, while white, symbolising are the results of Standox’s current clarity and purity, has only recently study of international colour trend moved up into this exclusive bracket. data. The triumphal march of so-called “neutral” colours has thus continued

200 fans for Standox at the Grand Prix in Barcelona Under the motto of “Come to the Standox stand!”, the paint manufacturer invited 200 customers to the Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona. This is where Formula One fans not only savoured the thrills & spills and the special quality of the race tour, but also seized the opportunity for conversation and technical talks. During the race itself, wearing their uniform blue shirts and Standox caps, they added to the exciting atmosphere and noisily cheered on motor racing idol Fernando Alonso and the Mercedes GP Petronas Team. As an official Team Supplier to the Mercedes F1 team, Standox is the exclusive source of paints for the Silver Arrows. Even if neither Alonso nor the two Mercedes drivers Schumacher and Rosberg made it to the victory rostrum at the end of the race, the weekend will remain an unforgettable experience for the guests.

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products 9

Standox 2K Metal Stopper is supplied in a complete kit consisting of metalbased powder, liquid hardener, a mixing cup, measuring spoon and spatula.

Standox 2K Metal Stopper simplifies body repairs Repairs to steel substrates sanded down to the bare metal can and a liquid hardener. After mixing, it is applied to create be a problem. Critical areas like welds, panel overlaps or rivets an impervious and undistorted surface while showing good often show hairline cracks that can soon corrode. Masking coverage and outstanding adhesion. The Metal Stopper not these areas with lead-tin solder used to be the conventional only improves the corrosion resistance of the repair zone, but procedure for achieving a strong bond with the substrate and also improves the cohesion of the overall paint system and thus protecting it from rust. However, since soldering is performed lays the foundations for an impeccable top coat appearance. with a soldering iron at high temperatures, thermal distortion Car manufacturers have come to appreciate these advantages and modifications of the microstructure may arise during and have approved metal stopper for warranty work on their application. Standox is now offering a simple and practical vehicle models. alternative in the shape of 2K Metal Stopper. The stopper material consists of a high-grade 2K Metal Stopper powder

Productive painting in 1.5 spray passes Standoblue is the basecoat system from benefit from the highly efficient and is required, with average savings of Standox that has set standards with productive painting process. The blend 25 to 30 per cent compared to clearcoat its exceptional product properties. of an innovative system and advanced applied in two passes.

Combining Standoblue with Standocryl binders make it possible to apply the VOC Xtra Clearcoat has proven highly basecoat and clearcoat each in only 1.5 effective in practice. Bodyshops also spray passes or a single coat. For the basecoat, the first pass is followed by a mist coat applied to the still wet paint

Application of Standoblue and VOC Xtra Clearcoat

film in a continuous process. The clearcoat is applied with the reverse procedure. The first thin, spray pass is followed by a full pass. Application in 1.5

Full flowing coat.

Closed thin coat.

spray passes reduces overall process time. This is a boon to time management in busy bodyshops and creates new capacity. In addition, less clearcoat Closed wet opaque coat.

Effect coat.

10 w o r k s h o p m a n a g e m e n t

Triumph of the Art of Refinishing The Finn Pasi Paananen was one of the first designers to experiment with the new exclusivelineXL paints. In doing so, he shows that not only cars and magnificent motorcycles like a Triumph Bonneville can be transformed with these out-of-the-ordinary effect colours, but also beautiful everyday objects.

“The proud owner of the 2005 Triumph without looking tacky or overdone. I entirely without resorting to the airbrush Bonneville that I resprayed is the well think it looks both “retro” and at the same technique, incidentally. For the whole known Finnish motorcycle builder and time kind of fresh and new. As an extra job, including painting the rims, I took lover Vote “Von Vossan” Eskelinen, element, I went for “Explosive Gold”. about 25 hours. who recently lost a leg due to cancer. This gold goes well with the gold-plated Determined not to let his illness get numbers (gold leaf) on the vehicle.

“The letterbox I sprayed for a friend.

him down, the motorcycle enthusiast

Here again I used “Explosive Gold”. The

converted his Triumph into a customised “An important graphic detail is the imitation chrome signs on the sides were bike with a sidecar. For short trips, he pinstriping in a neutral green between painted with a spraygun.” keeps a small three-wheeler with an the two colours, which provides sufficient electric motor in the sidecar.

contrast between the different-coloured areas. I also ornamented the tank with

“As the basic colour for the machine, patterns of fine lines. The design and I chose exclusivelineXL paint Python the finish are entirely my own work – and Green. This paint flops wonderfully between shades of green and gold

Tour de force in Python Green What’s an effective way of advertising your own colour and painting expertise?

This was a question asked by the paint experts of the Spanish Standox distributor “Refinish Auto e Industria” in Vigo who painted a Smart car in “Python Green”. The current motif from the new Standox image campaign and the exclusivelineXL buttons were digitally printed and stuck on. The owners of the dealership, Pablo and Manuel Rodríguez, use the Smart mainly for trips to customers as well as for special events.

The paint that shifts in colour according to the viewing angle magically attracts the eyes of onlookers. The brothers are suitably impressed by the reaction to the car: “People are always commenting on this truly spectacular colour.”

Interstandox 72

workshop management

… And this is how the colour-changing reptile in Python Green looks in artificial light.

A chameleon of a special kind Python Green is the name of one of It was during his training to become a characteristic of lizards in addition to the the six special effect colours from the master maker of illuminated signs at typical colour change. For this, he and a current

exclusivelineXL

series

from the “Badische Malerschule” (school of refinisher friend applied black accents

Standox, which is usually used for giving painting) in Lahr that Carsten Schmidmeir wet-on-wet by using a net. For the red lovingly cared-for cars a personalised hit upon the idea for his masterpiece. effects, he used an airbrush. Finally, for and eye-catching appearance. However, In the search for a paint that would do protection, he applied another coat of not just cars can benefit. Other objects justice to the little reptile’s ability to clear. can also be given a memorable finish, change its colour, he came across Python as demonstrated by a chameleon of rigid Green from Standox. He chose a rigid foam that changes its colour like the foam panel as the support, which was creature it’s modelled on. Depending initially cut to the desired shape with a on the angle of view, this can be an variety of mechanical processes. iridescent yellowish green with golden orange highlights or a somewhat bluish He applied the design with a three-coat green.

paint system. He started with a green ground coat before applying Python Green in two spray passes. After drying, this was followed by a 2K clearcoat. This could in fact have been the end of the process, but Schmidmeir wanted to give the chameleon the scaly appearance Carsten Schmidmeir and master painter Michael Schmalz proudly display the chameleon in daylight.

A dream in Shifting Carbon Matt finishes are very popular among lovers of exclusive dealership have been using Standox materials exclusively vehicles. An impressive example of a successful matt finish has since 1995, and gave the originally black car a matt finish been executed by the Latvian Standox bodyshop IMA Signāls using exclusivelineXL colour Shifting Carbon. In bright light SIA on a Volvo XC 90. These specialists from an official Volvo particularly, the exclusive colour shifts to shades of mauve and green, depending on the viewing angle. In addition, aluminium pigment used is responsible for an unusually rough-grain colour effect. The outcome is flawless – the silkmatt surface amplifies the aura of the elegant SUV.

11

12 w o r k s h o p m a n a g e m e n t

Hazardous substances:

two directives until 2015

The new hazard pictograms are white with a red border.

Marking hazardous substances correctly is an important subject in bodyshops – and a difficult one. Because at present there are in some cases two sets of regulations side by side: firstly, the chemical law valid only in the European Union and, secondly, the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

In principle, the two sets of regulations are comparable

In the Globally Harmonised System, many of these substances

in that they both cover the classification and labelling of

and mixtures are being reclassified. This may result in changing

chemicals and the communication of hazards. In practice,

in the labelling and in certain circumstances necessitate new

however, there are differences, which are easiest to

protective measures in the firm. The company’s own hazards

spot in the new labelling of hazardous substances. The

documentation has to be updated at the latest when it uses

rectangular, orange panels used until now in the EU are

substances labelled under GHS. In the transitional period it is

being replaced by the diamond-shaped white panels

advisable, for instance, to include the old and new labelling

with a red border in the GHS. The hazard pictograms of

elements in the hazard documents.

the two systems differ as well.

Most importantly, staff must be informed. Experts advise The EU has been changing over to the GHS since 2009

against doing this solely in a normal instruction briefing, but

(in a procedure defined in the CLP Regulation). It will

to make a proper training session out of it. This is because

replace the existing EU Directives in a step-by-step

what counts in dealing with hazardous substances is not that

process lasting until 1st June 2015. During the transitional

staff have simply been lectured to on the changes, but that

period, firms that produce, transport, trade or work with

they really understand them as well.

chemical mixtures (which also include paints, thinners, additives and the like) can still decide for themselves which of the two directives to apply. All the same, it’s not advisable to put this matter on the back burner.

Because even in companies that “only” work with hazardous substances, the GHS also demands changes that require preparation well in advance.

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g a l l e r y 13

Timeless beauty In twelve memorable pictures, the 2012 Standox Car Calendar entitled Timeless Beauty contrasts the charm of fleeting moments with the allure of immaculately beautiful cars that seem immune to the ravages of time.

How each photograph came about is a story in its own right.

For the 2012 Standox Calendar, Dirk Krüll photographed just before the shoot. For trial shooting, we therefore had a unusual vehicles in settings that express the passage of replacement car that overheated at the museum and finally time. However, what ultimately appears to capture a fleeting gave up the ghost. It refused to move from the spot and thus moment of perfection in fact called for elaborate preparation blocked the space for the proper car when it finally arrived. We and an exceptional talent for improvisation in more cases had to postpone shooting until the next day.” than one. “For the June picture,” Krüll explains, “we wanted a 1963 Corvette C2 Stingray to encounter a steam engine. The The finished calendar reveals nothing of the difficulties preparations for the shoot took hours, and when the train encountered during shooting. Each of the twelve pictures finally arrived, it came from wrong side. As there was no way displays an inspired combination of scene, lighting and to turn the train round, we had to get it to reverse, and we set vehicle. The new calendar is also available in a desktop version up all our equipment again on the other side of the track.”

for free download at many national Standox homepages in the national language, and at www.standox.com/calendar.

The unexpected in a totally different guise arose during the shooting for the July picture in Las Vegas. Dirk Krüll: “The task was to make a red Cadillac Fleetwood convertible dating back to 1959 look as impressive as possible amidst the disused advertising signs of the Neon Signs Museum. Unfortunately, the carefully selected gem of a car had to have repairs done

14 i n t e r n a t i o n a l

Respected Belgian bodyshop opts for Standoblue The Claes & Zonen Group in Sint-Truiden (Province of Limburg) Thanks to the repair quality and the use of high-grade products has enjoyed an excellent reputation as a repair shop for like the paint systems from Standox, Claes & Zonen has Mercedes-Benz cars and commercial vehicles for over 50 become the first bodyshop in Belgium to be awarded the Proyears. In the course of this time, the family business has built Carrosserie seal of quality. This award is presented on the up a body of loyal and satisfied customers. Claes & Zonen owe basis of a series of brand-specific criteria that ensure flawless this enviable position to their focus on efficient service and repairs and outstanding quality. They relate, for instance, to high quality.

the application of repair processes specified by MercedesBenz, the use of original replacement parts and approved

This also applies to the professionally equipped bodyshop Standox paints and painting processes, cooperation with that the firm has been running for 33 years. This is where cars recognised suppliers, the observance of special customerand commercial vehicles are repaired and refinished by friendly procedures and the application of intelligent repair workshop manager Jean-Paul Lenaers and his team of ten processes like Smart Repair. Claes & Zonen is also the only experienced professionals, who also extend truck chassis. bodyshop team in Belgium authorised to repair MercedesThe company has been using Standoblue for refinishing since Benz SLS models. the beginning of 2011. Jean-Paul Lenaers is very happy with the new basecoat system from Standox: “Standoblue dries quickly to yield an extremely hard and uniformly smooth finish. We can remedy defects like trapped dust immediately in the spray booth by simply sanding and repainting the area.

Overall, Standoblue has not only simplified the work process, but also speeded it up.�

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g u e s t a r t i c l e 15

Professor Stefan Pischinger is Managing Partner of FEV GmbH and holder of the Chair for Internal Combustion Engines (VKA) at RWTH Aachen elite University.

Drive technologies for the car of the future Everyone’s talking about the electric car. Rising petrol prices, new regulations for climate protection and advances in battery technology are making the electric motor a promising alternative to the classic internal combustion engine. To find out which technology will ultimately come out on top, we spoke to Prof. Stefan Pischinger of RWTH Aachen elite University. interstandox: What requirements will the drive technology of

interstandox: What development steps will have to be

the future have to meet?

taken so that electric cars can really become suitable

Stefan Pischinger: The drive of the future has to satisfy

for everyday use and become attractive for broad sections

people’s need for mobility both affordably and without

of the buying public?

unduly burdening the environment. Making alternatives to

Stefan Pischinger: The most frequently asked questions in

existing fuels available is therefore an important step into

connection with battery-powered vehicles are: “How far can

the future. The stated aim is the use of bio-fuels. At the same

I get with the car and how much extra do I have to pay for

time, the current first and second generation processes

it?” These questions accurately express potential buyers’

will only allow the partial substitution of fossil fuels, as the

subconscious fears of one day running out of power in

agricultural acreage necessary for this is not yet available.

mid-trip. With an electric car, you have to constantly decide

The third-generation processes, as currently being developed

between warm feet, a cool head and sheer arrival, as the

in the cluster of excellence “Tailor-made fuels from biomass”

energy made available for air conditioning also has to come

at RWTH Aachen, look very promising.

from the battery and thus additionally restricts what is an

interstandox: Electric cars are currently a big talking point.

Will we see only electric cars on the road in the future, or do other drive technologies have a chance?

Stefan Pischinger: The internal combustion engine will remain the main drive source for the coming 20 years.

unsatisfactory range as it is. The best answer to this question from the present point of view is the range extender with an internal combustion engine facilitating a range almost independent of the battery. This will have a decisive positive effect on the end-user’s acceptance of electromobility.

However, the share of hybrid and electric vehicles will

interstandox: Does the internal combustion engine have

steadily grow. These will be joined by the various forms

a future?

of alternative fuels. The fuel cell as a vehicle drive may

Stefan Pischinger: As the internal combustion engine is a

capture an appreciable share of the market when the

real “omnivore”, it will be one of the leading technologies,

unresolved issues of hydrogen generation and distribution

even in the future. A lot of development effort is currently

have been solved. The future will therefore be diversified.

focused on downsizing, for both the petrol and diesel

The consumer can expect an abundance of alternative drive

engines. This technology is supported by new transmissions

and fuel combinations.

with an extended number of gears; 8-speed transmissions are already on the market and 9- and 10-speed transmissions are in the development pipeline. With the current downsizing and start-stop system, I consider 20 to 25 per cent improvements in efficiency absolutely realistic and certainly

Picture: Loremo AG

well over 30 per cent together with hybridisation.

An exciting approach to the mobility requirements of tomorrow is the Loremo developed in Germany.

Purchasers of the lightweight car should be able to choose between an electric variant and two conventionally powered, low-consumption models.

Lutz Menze Design

TRUE BLUE.

Not everything is in black and white. Each day you use a rainbow of colours in the art of refinishing. You rely on your skills and expertise to get the best result. So it’s a good thing you can count on your refinishing system. You know you can always depend on the Blue of Standox to help: your True Blue.