One-component enamels are going to be replaced more and more by two-layer topcoats using waterborne basecoats under the clearcoat for environmental legislation compliance. Driving forces are the improved durability and improved appearance of the clearcoats, as well as the better color potential of the paint system. From the car manufacturer's point of view, the performance of the actual clearcoats has not come to a final stage. The environmental impact resistance, as well as scratch and mar resistance, is not sufficient, especially for the luxury cars where the customer's sensitivity is greatest. The environmental conditions changed in the '70s and '80s for the worse, by lowering the pH of rain and increasing the amount of aerosols and salts in the air. Additionally, bird excrement and platation contribute to the overall environmentally caused paint damage of freshly produced cars. The level and main root cause of complaints differ regionally. Areas of high industrialization and high average temperature are most prone to environmental etching. Other new products have been approved and are going to be introduced to minimize the damage to cars. The better the environmental resistance of the paint, the more difficult it is to keep the mar and scratch resistance on an acceptable level.