July 18, 2011 — AkzoNobel’s Wanda paint brand will be the title sponsor of a large street rod event, the Blue Suede Cruise, July 22-24 in Norwalk, Ohio, the company recently announced.

Wanda and co-sponsor PBE Jobbers Warehouse will host the event, expected to draw more than 10,000 car enthusiasts and thousands of hot rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and trucks. Wanda’s custom-painted Lingenfelter LTA concept car will also be on display at the event, located at Summit Motorsports Park.

“We are very excited to partner with our distributor, PBE Jobbers Warehouse, for this annual event,” said Mark Rapson, AkzoNobel’s manager of trade brands in North America. “The Blue Suede Cruise location and reach are directly in line with PBE’s customer base, so it gives us the perfect opportunity to expand awareness for Wanda brand products with their customers.”

A Wanda representative dressed in vintage attire will preside over the 1950s-themed event, which will feature a neon parade of lights, a specially designed Wanda Diner, and a “Wanda Challenge Run” drag race for select participants.

Event attendees will also be able to partake in car care clinics and special gatherings to learn more about Wanda refinish products. For more information on the Blue Suede Cruise, go to wandarefinish.com/bluesuedecruise.