Toyota Authorizes Akzo Nobel's New Advanced Paint System

    SASSENHEIM, Netherlands, Feb. 18 -- Toyota Motor Corporation
has authorized all three of Akzo Nobel's new Sikkens Plus(R) paint products --
Autocryl Plus, Autobase Plus and Autoclear Plus.  The Sikkens Plus range has
been developed using new super-dispersant technology to create a product that
is not only easier to use but one that requires significantly less material to
achieve complete coverage.
    In a Service Bulletin to all of its dealers worldwide, Toyota states that
the new products, Autocryl Plus (solid color topcoat), Autobase Plus (base
coat) and Autoclear Plus (clearcoat) have fulfilled the Toyota New Product
Application Standard by being over 20% better than their predecessors.
    An evaluation of the products carried out at Toyota's Overseas Customer
Service Technical Division in Nagoya, Japan reported that the characteristics
of the new Sikkens products included a "reduction in the number of toners
resulting in consolidation of stock and conservation of space; a high level of
hiding power resulting in reduction of number of coats necessary, thus
shortening operation time; and shortened drying times resulting in an increase
of booth productivity."
    "It is exceptionally rare for Toyota to award such a high recommendation
to a new paint product," commented Reizo Yatsushiro, Akzo Nobel Car
Refinishes' Automotive Aftermarket Manager, Asia Pacific.  "Stringent tests
were carried out under Toyota supervision at both our R&D Center in the
Netherlands and at Toyota's Technical Center in Nagoya.  We are very pleased
that Toyota has recognized the Sikkens Plus range in this way and look forward
to helping Toyota further develop its Bodyshop Program worldwide."
    Akzo Nobel, based in the Netherlands, serves customers throughout the
world with healthcare products, coatings and chemicals.  Consolidated sales
for 2001 totaled EUR 14 billion.  The company currently employs over 67,000
people in more than 80 countries.  Financial results for the full year 2002
were published on February 11, 2003.
    Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes supplies paint, decals, services and software
for car repair and commercial vehicles.  The main product lines include
Sikkens for the high-end segment, Lesonal in the medium segment and several
leading brands in the commercial vehicles sector.