SOUTHFIELD, MI, June 30, 2008 – BASF Automotive Refinish Solutions today announced that it is launching two new additives for its Onyx HD line in the United States and Canada, further strengthening its position as the industry leader in waterborne automotive refinish paint technology. Hydrobase Slow - (HB004) and Hydromix Slow - (HB040) will enrich the high-performance, environmentally compliant waterborne basecoat system Onyx HD, which belongs to the R-M brand of BASF Coatings.

These slower additives were specially developed to further improve the flexibility of Onyx HD. Used at high temperatures and lower humidity, HB004 and HB040 will help to control the drying process and positively impact the final finish quality.

In addition, these new slower additives are perfectly suited for use when applying Onyx HD to larger surfaces, such as light commercial vehicles, or during re-sprays, where slower drying helps the painter maintain a wet edge, as well as ensuring a superb finish.

Hydrobase Slow - HB004 and Hydromix Slow - HB040 provide a simple solution for refinishing with Onyx HD at low relative humidity and high temperatures without any changes to the existing application process.

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BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 15,000 employees in North America, and had sales of approximately $16.4 billion in 2007. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals. As a reliable partner, BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost €58 billion in 2007. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.