BASF Coatings and Hyundai announce global partnership

• Hyundai: improves efficiency and service quality at body shops
• BASF Coatings: enlarges integrated refinish product and training services

BASF Coatings said today it is forming a global partnership to provide refinish coatings products as well as training services and support for Hyundai Motor Company’s aftermarket network. Terms of the partnership were not disclosed but the program rollout is already in progress.

“Partnership with a supplier like BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, is very meaningful to us and will help us to achieve our goals,” said Y.S. Jung, General Manager, Overseas Service Team, Hyundai Motor Company. Jung cites “passion for quality” as one of the key cultural similarities between the two companies. “I look forward to working closely with BASF to generate further success for our worldwide aftermarket network.”

BASF’s training programs are especially designed for Hyundai’s global network and are co-branded as Hyundai / BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings Training Modules. The integration of this new partnership into Hyundai’s Technical Recognition Program ensures a smooth and efficient rollout of the program within its global distribution network.

“This partnership is a milestone for both partners,” said Mutsuo Aoki, BASF Group Vice President, Regional Business Unit Coatings Asia Pacific. “It allows us to offer Hyundai the best mix of high quality products and the advanced skills to apply them. In turn, this helps Hyundai to be more successful and increase their customer satisfaction.”

The new cooperation also ensures the transfer of expertise, sharing of information on latest technology and trends, as well as courses customized specifically for an employee’s level of expertise.

BASF Coatings has 150 principal trainers in more than 65 countries to support car manufacturers’ aftermarket networks. BASF is growing its worldwide aftermarket business with a strong global presence and comprehensive training programs catering to local needs.

About BASF Coatings
BASF Coatings, the Coatings Division of the BASF Group, develops, produces and markets a high-quality range of innovative automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinishes and industrial coatings as well as decorative paints. BASF has significant market positions in the Coatings sector in Europe, North America, South America and the Asia/Pacific region. In 2006 BASF Coatings achieved global sales of about €2.3 billion. The Internet address of BASF Coatings is www.basf-coatings.com.

BASF Automotive Solutions. Performance Passion Success
BASF – The Chemical Company – is a leading-edge source of intelligent, sustainable solutions to automotive manufacturers and their suppliers worldwide. With a full portfolio of technologies that include coatings, catalysts, engineering thermoplastics, polyurethanes, pigments and colorants, coolants and brake fluids for a broad array of exterior, interior, chassis and under-the-hood applications, BASF – The Chemical Company – develops and delivers the innovations that help the automotive industry improve the quality, appearance, safety, cost competitiveness, performance, comfort, fuel efficiency, sustainability. Website: www.automotive.basf.com.

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 approximately 95,000 employees and posted sales of €52.6 billion (approximately $66.1 billion) in 2006. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

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