SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 28, 2026--
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.
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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:
“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”.
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.
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.
CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James doesn't know if Wednesday night will end up being his last trip to Cleveland as a player.
If James doesn't return, the Cavaliers and their fans continued to let James know how much he means to them.
James teared up during a video tribute played during a timeout in the first quarter. The 41-year-old Akron native wiped his eyes with a towel after the video played.
“It definitely got to me a little bit, for sure. I think it comes from being present. It wasn’t the highlights. It was just being present. I’m trying to live in the moment because I don’t know if it’s my last time here,” James said after the Los Angeles Lakers' 129-99 loss to the Cavaliers.
“Every road arena I’ve been in, I’m just trying to take every moment in because it very well could be the last time. And obviously, it means a little bit more to me personally because I grew up 35 minutes south of here.”
With 7:46 remaining in the first quarter, the Cavaliers showed video highlights of James scoring 25 straight points during Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference finals against the Detroit Pistons.
The Cavaliers won that game 109-107 in double overtime to take the lead in the series as James finished with 48 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. They beat the Pistons in Cleveland the next game to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time.
“I didn’t expect that, but obviously a lot of memories here, a lot of history. I remember that moment like it was yesterday. It was a pretty cool moment,” James said.
It was the first time the Cavaliers have honored James by playing highlights from that game. Usually they have showed clips of Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals — when Cleveland won its first championship — or when the Akron native was the first overall pick in the 2003 draft.
James spent 11 seasons over two stints with the Cavs. He left as a free agent in 2018 to join the Lakers.
“It’s an emotional game in general. During the tribute video you could see being back here is important to him. There’s a human element to all this,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said.
The rest of the game ended up being a nightmare for James and the Lakers.
James had only 11 points, the first time in his 13 trips to Cleveland as an opposing player he has been held under 20 points. He was 3 of 10 from the field and 0 for 3 on 3-pointers in 27 minutes.
It was James’ worst loss in Cleveland as a visiting player. He is 10-3, but has been on the losing end in his last two trips.
“Every time it’s special and it reminds you of what you’re trying to do for the city and seeing the love he got,” said Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, who had 25 points.
The only highlight for James in the second half was seeing his son, Bronny James, play the final 8 minutes. The younger James, who scored his first NBA bucket at Cleveland last season, had eight points, including a pair of 3-pointers.
“It was a pretty cool moment for him and for our family. And my mom is here watching her son and her grandson,” LeBron James said. “It’s so cool and surreal that my mom gets to watch her son and her grandson play in the NBA.”
Well into a record-breaking 23rd season, James has reiterated he doesn't know what the future holds, but he hopes for at least one more trip to Cleveland.
“I have not even thought about a farewell tour. I think that will come after (the season),” he said. “Eight years ago, when I left to go to LA, if you asked me if I’d still be playing in ’26, I’d have said no.
“I’m still playing this game at a high level and I still love the process. It’s about how much juice I can squeeze out of this orange. I’m in a battle with Father Time and I’m kind of taking it personal.”
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James grimaces after a fall in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) is fouled by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, right, in the second half of an NBA basketball game in Cleveland, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James goes to the basket in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James left, shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Cleveland, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dribbles the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
