ARNHEM, the Netherlands - Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes announced a technology cross-licensing agreement for automotive plastic coatings with Origin Electric Co. Ltd., Tokyo. Akzo Nobel said the agreement enhances its access to the Japanese vehicle-manufacturing market for the supply of coatings used on plastic car parts, such as dashboards, bumpers and wing mirrors. Origin Electric will gain access to the European market and Akzo Nobel's waterborne technologies. The cross-licensing agreement covers the Japanese and European markets and includes interior and exterior plastic-coatings technology for the automotive industry.

Rinus Rooseboom, general manager of Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes, said Origin Electric constitutes "a reputable partner with a strong technology base and a longstanding tradition as a supplier to the Japanese automotive industry." He said the agreement "will benefit both companies and provides a stepping stone into the respective markets for each party."

Rudy van der Meer, Akzo Nobel's board member responsible for Coatings, said the agreement "provides an excellent opportunity to further develop our paint business in the Japanese automotive market."