New Dealership Survey Finds Paint Protection Film (PPF) Can Add up to 15% to a Vehicle's Resale Value
MWN-AI** Summary
A recent survey conducted among U.S. automotive dealerships reveals that the application of paint protection film (PPF) can significantly boost a vehicle's resale value, with potential increases of up to 15%. XPEL, Inc. (Nasdaq: XPEL), a leading company in protective films and coatings, highlighted these findings in their press release. The survey found that 96% of respondents believe PPF enhances value retention over the vehicle's initial ownership period, with 70% indicating that such coatings contribute to a resale gain of up to 15%.
Additionally, 92% of dealership professionals agree that vehicles covered with PPF should command higher resale prices in the pre-owned market. With the average price of a new car surpassing $50,000 for the first time and the average age of vehicles on the road reaching 12.6 years, maintaining a vehicle's value is increasingly crucial in today's market. This trend indicates a shift in consumer behavior, as many owners are opting to keep their cars longer, thereby increasing the importance of investments like PPF.
XPEL offers various PPF options, including self-healing films, ULTIMATE PLUS™, and COLOR PPF, which allows owners to change their vehicle's color without repainting. These products are backed by an industry-leading 10-year warranty and are installed by authorized dealers nationwide. The compelling data reflects a growing consensus among auto dealers that PPF is not merely a cosmetic enhancement but a savvy investment in the long-term value of a vehicle. As the used-car market remains strong, PPF is positioned as a critical tool for maximizing resale potential.
MWN-AI** Analysis
In light of the recent findings from XPEL's national survey, which indicates that Paint Protection Film (PPF) can enhance a vehicle's resale value by up to 15%, dealership strategies may need to adapt to capitalize on this insight. Given the current automotive landscape—where the average new car price exceeds $50,000 and the used car market remains elevated—investing in PPF represents not only an effective protective measure but also a strategic financial decision.
The survey reveals that an overwhelming 92% of auto dealers believe PPF increases a vehicle's resale value, making it an appealing option for consumers focused on protecting their investment. With the average age of vehicles on the road at an unprecedented 12.6 years, consumers are increasingly retaining their vehicles longer. This trend implies that potential buyers will likely prioritize options that secure resale value, such as PPF.
For dealerships, this insight presents an opportunity for enhanced customer satisfaction and retention. By promoting PPF as a valuable add-on, dealers can differentiate themselves in a competitive market. A proactive approach—educating customers about the long-term financial benefits of PPF and emphasizing the protection it offers against depreciation—can lead to increased sales and foster stronger customer loyalty.
Additionally, introducing bundled packages that include PPF can help dealerships enhance their revenue streams without significantly altering their operational procedures. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, aligning with the increasing importance placed on resale value could position dealerships favorably in the market.
Overall, integrating PPF into dealership offerings is not just about enhancing the vehicle's appearance; it’s a strategic initiative that reflects a shift in consumer priorities, enabling dealers to support long-term customer investments while driving their own profitability.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
92% of U.S. Auto Dealers Surveyed Believe PPF Creates Higher Resale Value
XPEL, Inc. (Nasdaq: XPEL), a global leader in protective films and coatings, today provided highlights from a new, national survey of U.S. automotive dealership professionals which reveals that adding paint protection film (PPF) to a new vehicle’s exterior surfaces can significantly increase its resale value — an especially compelling benefit given current market conditions.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128099979/en/
A national automotive dealership study reveals that adding paint protection film (PPF) to a new vehicle’s exterior surfaces can significantly increase its resale value, with gains of up to 15%. XPEL’s PPF is backed by an industry-leading 10-year warranty and can be installed by XPEL authorized dealers nationwide or in select automotive dealerships.
The study found that 96% of respondents believe applying PPF to all of a new vehicle’s painted surfaces helps retain more of its value over the initial ownership period, with 70% citing value-retention gains of up to 15%. More than 90% of respondents also say that PPF applied to a new vehicle should give owners greater confidence in the resale value of their vehicle when it’s time to trade in or sell.
These findings come against a backdrop of historically high new-car costs and shifting consumer behavior. In 2025, the average price of a new car in the U.S. was over $50,000 for the first time ever . At the same time, many owners are holding onto their vehicles longer; the average age of cars on the road is now 12.6 years. Meanwhile, used-car pricing remains elevated. The average used-vehicle price is nearly $30,000 – narrowing the traditional cost advantage of buying used.
Given those trends, PPF isn’t just cosmetic — it’s an investment in long-term value.
Dealership decision-makers overwhelmingly agree that PPF contributes to stronger resale pricing and customer satisfaction:
- 92% say vehicles with PPF applied to all exterior surfaces when new would have a higher resale value as pre-owned inventory.
- 9 in 10 dealers (91%) would recommend customers protect all exterior surfaces rather than just the front end.
- Even limited front-end coverage is viewed as beneficial, with more than 70% of dealers citing value retention up to 15%.
“Auto dealers agree, quality PPF protects more than just a new vehicle’s paint,” said Tony Rimas, VP of Revenue of XPEL, a global leader in protective films and coatings. “In today’s market, where the average cost of a new car is nearly $50,000, PPF also helps owners protect their investment – whether that be via full-vehicle PPF coverage or front-end only coverage.”
XPEL offers a wide range of self-healing PPF options, including ULTIMATE PLUS™, STEALTH™ which provides a satin look, and XPEL COLOR PPF which allows owners to change the color of their vehicle without a costly repaint. All XPEL paint protection films are backed by an industry-leading 10-year warranty and can be installed by XPEL authorized dealers nationwide or in select automotive dealerships.
About the Survey
The Car Dealers Survey Report (June 2025) was conducted online by Atomik Research among 300 essential business decision makers at light-duty automobile dealerships selling mass-market automotive brands throughout the United States. The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points with a confidence level of 95%. Fieldwork took place between June 3 and June 12, 2025.
About XPEL
XPEL is a leading provider of protective films and coatings, including automotive paint protection film, surface protection film, automotive and architectural window films, and ceramic coatings. With a global footprint, a network of trained installers and proprietary DAP software, XPEL is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations by providing high-quality products, leading customer service, expert technical support and world-class training. XPEL, Inc. is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the symbol “XPEL”.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128099979/en/
Media:
Steve Janisse
sjanisse@xpel.com
404-574-9206
FAQ**
How does XPEL Inc. determine the significant increase in resale value attributed to PPF, and what metrics were used to assess the gains mentioned in the survey?
With 9of U.S. auto dealers supporting PPF's effect on resale value, what strategies is XPEL implementing to further educate consumers and dealerships about these benefits?
Given the current average new car price exceeding $50,000, how does XPEL Inc. plan to position PPF as a necessary investment for car buyers in an increasingly competitive market?
What feedback has XPEL received from dealerships regarding customer demand for PPF installation, and how does that influence future product development or marketing strategies?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about XPEL Inc. (NASDAQ: XPEL).
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