Axalta Wins 2025 Automotive News PACE Pilot Award

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Axalta Coating Systems (AXTA) has received the 2025 Automotive News PACE Pilot Award for its innovative Axalta NextJet™ digital paint technology. This pre-commercial innovation, launched in 2023, represents a significant advancement in automotive coating solutions.

The technology enables precise paint placement and enhanced design flexibility for tutone and graphics on vehicles, while eliminating masking requirements. Key benefits include reduced labor, energy, and waste, alongside improved productivity and efficiency rates. Notably, it can contribute to a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions and deliver substantial cost savings for vehicle manufacturers.

The recognition came after a comprehensive evaluation process, including a written application and virtual pitch session, judged by an independent panel at the 5th annual PACE Pilot program ceremony on April 15.

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Axalta NextJet™ automotive digital paint technology named Innovation to Watch

PHILADELPHIA, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Axalta Coating Systems (AXTA), a leading global coatings company, announced today that the digital paint technology Axalta NextJet™ was named a 2025 Automotive News PACE Pilot Innovation to Watch. The recognition honors pre-commercial innovations in the automotive and future mobility space.

Axalta NextJet™ is a next-generation, sustainable digital paint technology for the automotive industry. This advancement allows for precise paint placement and enables design flexibility for tutone and graphics on vehicles. Axalta NextJet™ also eliminates masking and can reduce labor, energy and waste while increasing productivity and efficiency rates. This can help to contribute to a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions and significant cost savings for vehicle manufacturers.

“Since we launched Axalta NextJet™ in 2023, our global team has demonstrated the power of collaboration in action, pairing our cutting-edge digital paint technology with inkjet and robotics manufacturing leaders,” said Hadi Awada, President Global Mobility Coatings, Axalta. “I’m excited to see how we continue to advance Axalta NextJet™ through our partnerships to drive greater productivity and sustainability for our customers.” 

Added Dr. Robert Roop, Chief Technology Officer, Axalta, “It is an honor to be recognized by the automotive industry signaling the importance of capturing innovations earlier in the development cycle that have the most potential for long-term impact. We’re proud to help our trusted OEM customers solve not only productivity challenges but also curate sustainable design.”

The 5^th annual PACE Pilot program was presented by Automotive News and presented at a gala ceremony on April 15. The competition was open to suppliers and startups that invented products, software/IT systems or processes and idea incubators that have the capacity to transform the automotive industry. The Automotive News PACE Pilot program is leading the way in distinguishing global emerging innovators.

Axalta earned an Automotive News PACE Pilot recognition following an extensive review by an independent panel of judges including a comprehensive written application and a virtual pitch session. For full details on the Automotive News PACE program, visit www.autonews.com/awards/pace. 

About Axalta 
Axalta is a global leader in the coatings industry, providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful, and sustainable coatings solutions. From light vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications to electric motors, building facades and other industrial applications, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity, and enhance durability. With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the global team at Axalta continues to find ways to serve our more than 100,000 customers in over 140 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information, visit axalta.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and @axalta on X. 

Media Contact 
Lisa Gentile
D +1 248-896-7783 
Lisa.Gentile@axalta.com

FAQ

What are the key benefits of Axalta NextJet™ technology for automotive manufacturers?

Axalta NextJet™ enables precise paint placement, eliminates masking, reduces labor and energy costs, improves productivity, and can achieve 30% CO2 emissions reduction.

When was Axalta NextJet™ technology launched and what recognition did it receive?

Launched in 2023, Axalta NextJet™ received the 2025 Automotive News PACE Pilot Award as an Innovation to Watch.

How does Axalta NextJet™ contribute to sustainability in automotive painting?

The technology reduces waste, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions by 30%, while improving efficiency in the automotive painting process.

What design capabilities does Axalta NextJet™ offer for vehicle manufacturers?

It provides enhanced design flexibility for tutone and graphics on vehicles with precise paint placement capabilities, while eliminating the need for masking.

How was Axalta NextJet™ selected for the 2025 PACE Pilot Award?

Selection involved a comprehensive review process including a written application and virtual pitch session, evaluated by an independent panel of judges.