In the modern car, what you touch matters just as much as what you drive. From the dashboard and steering wheel to door trims and centre consoles, the quality of a vehicle’s interior increasingly defines the ownership experience. And while car buyers may not always notice it directly, coating technology plays a huge role in shaping that experience.
That’s where Peter/Lacke comes in. Founded in Germany in 1906, the company has evolved from a paint supplier into a global coatings specialist, supplying advanced surface solutions across automotive, aviation, industrial and lifestyle sectors. In India, the company has steadily expanded its footprint since setting up operations in 2007 and today works closely with carmakers including Tata Motors, Volkswagen, Škoda Auto, Renault and Mahindra.
For Harsh Agarwal, MD and CEO of Peter/Lacke India, coatings are not simply cosmetic and need to have functionality that extends far beyond aesthetics. “Modern interior coatings are no longer just decorative. They are becoming highly functional,” he says, adding that today’s coatings are engineered to resist scratches, fingerprints, heat, UV exposure and chemicals, while also improving tactile feel and long-term durability.
In a country like India, that matters even more, as extreme heat, humidity, dust and sunlight can quickly take a toll on a vehicle’s interior. Harsh explains that Peter/Lacke’s coatings are specifically developed to help the car’s cabin maintain its appearance even over years of use. The result is a car that continues to look and feel premium for longer, while also reducing maintenance and refurbishment needs, not to mention the potential to improve the vehicle’s resale value.
The shift towards electric vehicles is also reshaping how coatings are developed. As EV cabins are quieter and tend to be more technology-focused, customers are paying greater attention to textures, finishes and material quality. “Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are increasingly demanding coatings that support sustainable interior materials, low-odour and low-emission interiors, and enhanced thermal stability,” says Harsh. Peter/Lacke is responding with advanced low-VOC and water-based coating technologies, alongside new soft-touch and anti-fingerprint finishes designed for next-generation cabins.
The company’s broader ambitions in India are equally significant. Having recently moved into a larger facility in Taloja, Peter/Lacke India is positioning itself as both a manufacturing and innovation hub for the region. The company’s roadmap includes increased expansion into high-growth areas such as powder coatings, glass coatings, alloy wheel coatings and aviation applications, while also supporting exports to Southeast Asian markets.
Yet despite its global scale, Harsh believes agility remains one of the company’s biggest strengths. “Our strategy is not only focused on expansion, but also on building a strong cross-segment portfolio supported by innovation, sustainability, technical excellence and long-term customer partnerships,” he says.
For car buyers, much of this technology may remain invisible. But every time a dashboard resists fading, a soft-touch panel feels premium after years of use, or an EV cabin stays refined under our harsh conditions, it’s proof that coatings today are doing far more than just adding a bit of colour.