The Japanese automaker said the paint contains a newly developed resin that can stop scratches from marking the car's outer layer.

Wear and tear due to everything from fingernails to roadside objects will disappear in one day to one week depending on the temperature and the seriousness of the scratch, Nissan said in a statement.

The "Scratch Guard Coat" paint, which protects for three years, will debut on a sports-utility vehicle which is set for a makeover, Nissan said.

The paint also helps prevent scratches in the first place. Nissan said a vehicle with the paint suffers only one-fifth of the usual abrasions caused by car-washing machines -- the main culprit for scratches.

© 2005 AFP

12/3/2005 2:18:09 AM