BASF Catalysts Scientist Discusses Diesel Emissions Control at Russian Automotive Industry Conference

ISELIN, NJ, March 15, 2007 — At a recent automotive industry conference in Moscow, Dr. Mikhail Rodkin, director of environmental catalysis research at BASF Catalysts, urged automakers and developers of emissions control technology to begin working together now in order to meet Russia’s upcoming emissions standards for diesel vehicles.

"A systems approach is key," said Dr. Rodkin, "The most efficient and cost-effective compliance with the new standards will come from careful integration of pollution-control technology and engine management systems. Early involvement will enable emissions-control suppliers to use vehicle simulators and modeling techniques before engines even exist to predict emissions performance and help optimize engine design and control strategies. "

Dr. Rodkin was speaking at the 10th Annual Conference on the Russian Automotive Industry held March 13-15 in Moscow, which was attended by more than 400 automotive industry leaders, government officials and others who are active or interested in the Russian automotive market.

The Russian government has established a timeline to adopt European Union automotive emission standards that will dramatically reduce pollution in stages over the next five years. The first stage began in July 2006 when all new gasoline and diesel cars and light trucks sold in Russia were required to meet Euro 2 emissions standards. The timeline calls for additional emission reductions in the coming years that will apply to all types of diesel vehicles, presenting a challenge to diesel engine makers to develop and qualify increasingly complex emissions-control systems in short timeframes.

In his presentation, Dr. Rodkin outlined the Russian regulations and strategies for meeting them, including emissions-control technologies and their likely role in abating diesel pollution.

At BASF Catalysts, Dr. Mikhail Rodkin is responsible for the worldwide research and development activities that provide emission control technology for mobile and stationary applications. His specific areas of focus include three-way catalysts (TWC) for gasoline-powered vehicles; diesel oxidation catalysts, catalyzed soot filters, and NOx control for light- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles; catalysts for motorcycles and small, utility engines (for lawnmowers, chain saws, etc.); catalysts for stationary sources, such as power plants and manufacturing facilities; catalysts for aircraft cabin air; and PremAir® ozone destruction technology. Dr. Rodkin received an MSc in Chemistry and a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Moscow State University.

BASF Catalysts, a division of BASF Corporation, is the world's leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics, adsorbents and other products.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF's high-value products and intelligent system solutions help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to meet the challenges of the future and open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. BASF has over 95,000 employees and posted sales of €52.6 billion in 2006. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.