Once again, the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown the U.S. consumer marketplace another curveball. Thanks to a widespread semiconductor shortage and “exponential increase” in demand for microchips, which are in short supply, new cars and trucks may be harder to come by in America and other parts of the globe. This may come as tough news for many to accept just as throngs of consumers across the nation are anxious, following so many months of pandemic restrictions and limited shopping options, to possibly purchase a brand-new vehicle this year. But the current microchip crisis may take things in a different direction.
Since the automotive industry in the U.S. isn’t the only sector impeded by the semiconductor and microchip shortage, it makes the situation all the more complicated, as the new vehicle market is effectively “competing” with other industries for supply availability. It does appear, however, that the automotive sector has been disproportionately impacted. According to Car and Driver magazine, recent studies show that “U.S. car makers are bearing the brunt of the chip shortage.” A report for AutoForecast Solutions near the beginning of summer also noted that “more than 25 different car models have lost at least 10,000 units of North American production to the parts shortages so far this year.”
This dynamic has been made even more complex because many global automakers down shifted production in 2020 during the initial Covid-19 pandemic wave. (This being a direct result of the many worldwide “stay at home” lockdowns, as well as anticipation of less-than-zealous buyers visiting new car showrooms.) And now—as restrictions in many parts of the U.S. have eased (despite the recent Delta variant surge) and consumers have a greater overall comfort in possibly making larger retail purchase—supply chain issues have forced the automotive and new car industry into another “wait and see” holding pattern.
This has been tough news economically for the automotive dealer-retailer segment and for car consumers. The Washington Post stated last month that “17 auto factories in North America and Europe have halted or reduced production in recent weeks over the scarcity of the tiny components”…and “shutdowns have affected plants in Michigan, Kentucky and Kansas” (in addition to other global top manufacturing sites). But there may be alternative solutions for consumers. While cars are in short supply, auto and truck enthusiasts can instead turn to getting the most mileage out of their existing vehicle (sedans, SUVs, pick-up trucks, vans and RVs)—and find fresh, creative ways to make something old “new” once again.
Surprisingly, that well-used car or truck sitting in the garage is suddenly making a hot comeback like never before.
And there is no technology more poised to help step in and offer customers an affordable facelift for their vehicles than Bullet Liner. Our premier elastomer spray-on protective coating is exactly what aging cars and pick-ups need to extend their vehicle’s lifecycle and rejuvenate both value and overall functionality. For the past three decades, Bullet Liner has pioneered the protective spray-on protective sealant category, offering high quality coating that provides a “high caliber shield” against road debris and abrasion, dents and dings, extreme weathering and sun damage. Bullet Liner’s heavy duty, tensile strength coating can help keep car, truck and off-the-road vehicle exteriors—and even interiors—looking sharper and lasting longer.
In terms of sun exposure alone, Bullet Liner prevents premature fading, cracking and peeling, especially when vehicles stored in climate-extreme outdoor areas spend hours baking in the heat without covering. Bullet Liner also offers color protection from UV sunlight and won’t bubble or flake, even after months of use. When the climate pendulum swings just as strongly in the other direction, Bullet Liner protection doesn’t miss a beat. It still will still not peel or fade. What’s more, Bullet Liner’s water-tight seal keeps rust and corrosion-causing moisture and ice from damaging your ride.
In fact, our spray-on coating is not only color safe, but it’s also bleed-safe. Our technology solutions have been subjected time and time again to extensive testing (both in rigorous laboratory conditions and in the field) to ensure that—even in varying weather degrees such as cold, heat and humidity—Bullet Liner formulations remain resilient and perform well on a multitude of vehicle surfaces.
Additionally, our spray on coating is available in an array of colors and can be custom matched to existing exterior paint jobs. And for this reason, our elastomer sealant is more than simply a protective agent—it also offers an affordable trusted way to add to new color and style to an older, aging vehicle. In addition to delivering an ideal solution for exterior vehicle surfaces such as wheel wells, fenders, bumpers and truck beds, Bullet Liner sealant also provides a viable means of refreshing car and truck interiors as well. Our formulations can easily be applied to vehicle floors, certain types of seats, steering wheels, dashboards, various interior surfaces, glove compartments, and more.
Bullet Liner is a durable, consistent sealant that can cover damaged or blemished areas of car and trucks to offer a fresh new look, even while the vehicles themselves may not be brand new. The simple addition of our spray-on sealant can add years to an existing purchase for the enjoyment of both passengers and drivers. Qualified spray shops across America receive specialized training to apply Bullet Liner sealant for professional “off the showroom” stylings that can often rival new car aesthetics.
To learn more about how Bullet Liner technology can offer an alternative solution to a new vehicle purchase this year as pandemic related supply chain issues persist, or to learn more about how your automotive aftermarket business can assist car and truck consumers during this time, please visit www.BulletLiner.com.