Daimler has signed an agreement with global paints and coatings company AkzoNobel, making the company an approved supplier of vehicle refinishes to the company's dealerships and bodyshops worldwide.

The agreement includes the supply of products from AkzoNobel's Sikkens brand to Daimler's dealership wings including Mercedes-Benz, Smart, as well as Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles.

Daimler expects its partnership with AkzoNobel to help the company grow in the worldwide body and paint business.

Daimler claims that it conducted extensive analysis and tests of Sikkens products and also investigated industrial and business processes run at AkzoNobel before entering into the agreement.

AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinishes business key account manager Jorg Anders said: "We are delighted to have been approved as a global supplier for one of the world's leading automotive companies.

"The deal reflects the industry's trust in our products and services, our strength in product innovation and color matching, and in particular the range of services and support that we offer our customers."