Yellow Cab transforms into Smog-Eater for Taxi 07 Exhibit at New York Auto Show

ISELIN, NJ, April 4, 2007 — The iconic New York yellow cab has been transformed into a smog-eating machine for an exhibit at the 2007 New York International Auto Show this week. BASF Catalysts’ PremAir® smog-reducing technology has been applied to the prototype taxi by the Design Trust for Public Space, an organization dedicated to improving New York City’s parks, plazas, streets, and public buildings.

The Taxi 07 prototype emphasizes innovations in sustainable mobility, access for all and good design. The cab is a Toyota Sienna van that features a PremAir-coated radiator and an automated seat that swings to accommodate wheelchair-bound passengers. BASF Catalyst’s PremAir was selected to help demonstrate how technology could improve the current taxi system, enabling vehicles to be more environmentally sound.

PremAir catalyst technology is the first commercial product that destroys harmful, ground-level ozone already in the air. Ozone is the main component of smog and is linked to respiratory problems. When applied to heat-exchange surfaces, such as car radiators, PremAir effectively turns them into "smog eaters." The catalyst reduces ozone in the air that passes over coated surfaces by converting ozone molecules into oxygen molecules instantly upon contact. PremAir destroys up to 80% of ozone in the air that passes across it.

Since the technology was launched, more than 3 million PremAir-equipped cars have been sold in the US, Europe and Asia. PremAir is featured on most Volvo cars, and on certain BMW, Mercedes, Mitsubishi and Hyundai models.

The Taxi 07 exhibit is located outdoors in the inner roadway of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center at 11th Avenue and 35th Street in New York City, and will be free and open to the public. The exhibit is part of the 2007 New York International Auto Show being held April 6-15, 2007 at the Javits Center.

The Design Trust for Public Space, in partnership with the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission, is developing a long-term plan for the taxi system. This document will make recommendations for future improvements to the taxi system’s efficiency, environmental sustainability, ease-of-use and economic value. More information is available at www.designtrust.org.

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.