• Source:JND
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Over the past ten years, India’s automotive scene has changed remarkably. Driven by rising disposable income, a shift toward premium vehicle ownership, more consumer awareness of vehicle maintenance, and the growing automotive customisation trends, luxury car sales are growing exponentially, and the record-high sales in FY24-25 have reached around 51,000 units.

The Indian PPF market is thus steadily growing. Moreover, consumers are looking for solutions to improve the resale value of their vehicles and protect their investments against the unique challenges of Indian driving conditions. Our roads create a unique set of difficulties.

From the dust storms of Rajasthan to the coastal salt air of Mumbai, from monsoon downpours to the strong UV radiation during summer, Indian vehicles face conditions that would test even the most robust paint systems and coatings.

Add to this the reality of construction waste, gravel from ongoing infrastructure projects, and the occasional encounter with overzealous parking attendants – it is clear why there’s a need to protect the paint to preserve the appearance and beauty of a vehicle.

With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~8%, the $14.49 million Indian PPF market of 2024 is expected to rise to $23.11 million by 2032, according to Data Bridge Market Research. While research data currently points to such numbers, the on-ground reality might be starkly different due to the unorganised nature of the current market.

Estimates at the end-consumer level suggest that the real market size might be around 3x-4x the size mentioned above. This development marks a significant shift in how Indian car owners view vehicle protection – from being seen as an accessory, to being seen as an important after-sales investment.

With global GDP expected to rise exponentially in the next 7-8 years, the PPF market is also poised to show strong worldwide growth. This development will ride on the back of growing awareness among affluent consumers globally about the need for maintaining automotive investments.

Adding to this, now we are also witnessing Indian consumers rapidly adopting global best practices in vehicle maintenance. Rising costs of vehicle ownership play a crucial role in driving this change, as the focus and view towards vehicle transitions from mere transportation to an asset that needs management and investment. This change also demands high-quality, trusted solutions to protect these investments, and ensure their longevity.

Beyond Conventional Solutions

For long, in presence of limited options, vehicle owners had to restrict themselves to traditional waxing or ceramic coatings. Today, with polymer technology and innovation, the market has gained access to the much-needed solution – Paint Protection Film.

Originally designed for military and aerospace uses, this thermoplastic polyurethane film offers multiple interesting benefits for the Indian consumers despite the prevailing challenges and situations.

Some PPF products available in the market today are also able to distinguish itself from other paint protection solutions, owing to its self-healing technology. Problems such as minor scratches and unwanted marks which are inevitable while driving on Indian roads are no longer a concern with this.

PPF, when exposed to heat from sunlight or warm water, self-heals, ensuring negligibly visible scratches and marks, maintaining the pristine appearance of the vehicle. With minimal maintenance, and longer durability, PPF stands as a sustainable innovative product built for today and tomorrow.

More importantly, PPF protects the original factory paint which remains vital for resale value of any vehicle. Original paintwork commands top pricing in India’s used car market. Industry statistics indicate that vehicles with well-maintained paint protection can fetch up to 15% more resale value than those without protection.

Costly, yet worthy investment

Although the initial PPF investment seems pricey depending on the vehicle model and the amount of PPF needed, the long-term economics and value return are convincing. As an alternative to PPF, a paint job at any service center can run over Rs 1 lakh, assuming the end quality is close to that of a factory finish.

On the contrary, with minimum or negligible maintenance, premium PPF can span almost 7-10 years, offering multiple benefits. With advanced properties, PPF can help owners protect their vehicles against stone chips, scratches, bird droppings, tree sap, and UV-induced fading damage. In absence of PPF, such accidents would otherwise call for costly repairs overtime and also diminish resale value of the vehicle.

Today, with growing demand and innovations, PPF installation processes have evolved significantly. Professional installation methods offer invisible protection, while computer-cut patterns guarantee a perfect fit for almost any vehicle model running on the roads today.

Further, the hydrophobic nature of the PPF makes washing simple and safe, while its chemical resistance ensures that occasional exposure to strong cleaning agents, don’t compromise the underlying paint of the vehicle.

PPF is more than just protection for vehicle owners; it’s like an insurance policy for the original colours. It enhances market resale value and helps to maintain the vehicle look brand new even after a few years.

In a market where first impressions matter, paint protection film serves as the need of the hour and a value addition investment, as customers keep looking for such innovative solutions to safeguard their assets.

Disclaimer: This article is authored by Abhineesh Das, Business Head, Cosmo PPF. All views are personal.