JOSS Debut Draws Nearer As AkzoNobel Paint Deal Announced

After years of almost utter silence while it toiled away in secrecy on its debut model, Australian supercar outfit JOSS is now laying the press on thick - along with the paint.

Following last month's announcement of its deal with transmission specialist Albins, JOSS has today confirmed a partnership with European paint and coatings supplier AkzoNobel, best known for its work in Formula 1.

JOSS Developments Technical Director, Matt Thomas, said today the JP1 supercar will be offered with a range of colour schemes from AkzoNobel's Sikkens brand.

“We need the best technology partners for this project and that is why we wanted AkzoNobel on our team. It’s as simple as that," Mr Thomas said.

“The quality- and weight-optimisation programmes for this car are exhaustive. Every element that will go into producing them must meet stringent standards.

“What’s more, this car will take on Europe’s best so when it came to the car’s exterior finish we simply looked for the best European products - and all roads led to Sikkens,” Thomas added.

Stephen Read, Marketing Manager for AkzoNobel pointed to the JP1's light-weight 45kg carbon-fibre body as a welcome challenge, to be matched with the lightest paint available.

“To achieve this, the JOSS supercar will wear Sikkens’ latest waterborne paint technology," Mr Read said. "Being one of only a few to see the car’s design I was quick to conclude that the final colour and finish will play a vital role in maximising the car’s visual impact."

“This is by far one of the most exciting projects in the Australian car industry and I’m thrilled AkzoNobel has been involved so early in its development."

A public debut for the final production-ready JP1 has yet to be announced, but with the news coming thick and fast, a 2010 Australian International Motor Show debut might not be out of the question...