Why are American cars so shiny?

[Thankyou4calling]

Or am I imagining it. When I go to the US the cars look shinier even some that are European. Am I imagining it or do they put something different on/in the paint?

[pincher]

Probably the sunshine - something we don't seem to get much of these days......

[Thankyou4calling]

That could well be the case, I know some have more chrome too but what is this clearcoat thing, do we use it?

[TallPaul]

Clearcoat = lacquer in (French)English