Washington, D.C. — Automobiles can now benefit from a finishing process that keeps the cars looking shiny and new long after they've left the showroom.

A dry, powder spray is used instead of conventional liquid paint. Just before the powder particles are sprayed onto the car's body, they're given an electric charge that makes them cling to the surface.

Then, they're heat cured to produce a smooth finish that's more durable than conventional, liquid-spray surfaces.

"This finish is more durable, will last longer and look better for a longer period of time," says Pat Goss, a nationally known automotive consultant and co-host of the PBS Network show, "Motor Week".

BMW and Volvo are the first auto makers to use the clear powder topcoat finishing technique on production lines. America's Big Three—GM, Ford and Chrysler—have formed a consortium called USCAR to test clear powder topcoat application techniques and end-product durability. Japanese manufacturers, as yet, have not invested in powder topcoating.

According to BMW spokesman Weiland Bruch, the company's plant in Dingolfing, Germany, will turn out 70,000 Series 5 and Series 7 cars with powder topcoat this year.

Next year, Bruch says, "All our cars, a total of 270,000, will have powder topcoat." Volvo is putting the new finish on its C-70 sports coupe and convertible. Volvo spokesman Dan Johnston says the company will be producing 20,000 powder topcoat cars this year at its plant in Uddevalla, Sweden. No estimates were available for next year's production.

Initially, BMW and Volvo started switching over from liquid paint to the dry powder method because of tightening environmental waste controls. According to BMW's Bruch, liquid paint spray emits ozone-forming gases which contribute to the greenhouse, global-warming effect. Liquid paint spray also produces sludge which has to be disposed of. Powder topcoat, on the other hand, not only preserves the car's finish, it helps preserve the environment. According to BMW's Bruch, the minimal amount of powder particle overspray is nearly 100 percent recyclable.

"In preserving the car's finish," says Motor Week's Goss, "powder topcoats are more resistant to things in the atmosphere like acid rain and the sun's ultraviolet rays—and this means the finish is going to look better for a lot longer."

Powder coating is used on hundreds of household products ranging from appliances, to lawn and garden equipment, to sporting goods and numerous automobile parts. Where can you find the cars that have powder topcoat finishes? Go to your dealer and ask for them.