purpose of factory panel tape??

[nathan116036]

hi all,
can anyone tell what the purpose of that clear tape is in front of the rear wheels...is this supposed to be to stop paint chips?? i find it a real pain in the backside on my sisters A160 as it has discoloured underneath and now has a yellowish hue on her white car? benz kind of stuffed up putting this garbage on i reckon...otherwise, this A class isnt too bad (although it could do with another 4 cylinders!)
all the best
nathan