Beyond the recent devastating effects of Mother Nature, she now is controlling car colors. Chevrolet and other automotive manufacturers have announced shortages on some colors as a result of the Japanese tsunami. The shiny pigment called Xirallic used in some auto paint is only produced in a single plant in Japan owned by Merck. Auto manufacturers use Xirallic to give metallic paints a sparkling appearance. If you are looking for a Chevy in metallic gray, taupe, red and bright blue, you better hurry in while there is a selection. Most production of these colors have stopped.
Our hearts go out to those suffering from these natural disasters, whether earthquakes, tsunamis or tornados. For some, not having a shiny metallic red car might be a daily reminder of the power of Mother Nature and the devastation she can cause.