BASF Catalysts announces opening of new emission control catalyst plant in Russia

• Lead scientist discusses latest clean air technologies forRussia’s automotive market in Moscow industry event

Moscow, Russia March 18, 2009 - BASF Catalysts announced the official opening of its new mobile emissions catalyst facility in Krasnogorsk (30 km from central Moscow) during the Russian Automotive Industry Forum. The plant is designed to capitalize on the market opportunity created by new emissions control legislation in Russia.

At the industry forum in Moscow, Dr. Mikhail Rodkin, Director, Environmental Catalysis Research at BASF Catalysts, announced the official opening and discussed a number of new technologies to help automakers meet Russia’s stricter emissions regulations and improve overall air quality.

“The opening of Krasnogorsk is part of our global strategy to serve the world’s growing markets for emissions-control technology,” said Rodkin. “Russia is implementing strict emission standards over the next few years, for which Russian automotive OEMs need an experienced, knowledgeable technology provider who understands the Russian market.”

As with BASF’s other mobile emissions manufacturing sites around the world, the Krasnogorsk site will feature state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities as well as a sophisticated QC (Quality Control) lab to serve local automotive manufacturers. The site will also be closely linked with BASF Catalysts long-standing precious metal trading operations located in Moscow.

Russia is implementing European Union emission standards in a phased approach over the next several years that will dramatically reduce automotive, truck and bus pollution. In his presentation, Dr. Rodkin discussed advanced emission control technology that will enable automakers in Russia to meet these new standards cost-effectively. 

“We have developed catalysts that cost-effectively meet the tighter emission standards Russia is adopting,” said Dr. Rodkin. “We see Russia as an important part of our future global growth strategy for emission-control technologies, where we are already a technology and market leader.”

Russia is the fifth largest vehicle market in the world and is projected to have a strong long-term growth trajectory for new car sales. In 2008, about 3 million new cars were sold in Russia.

As part of the BASF Group, which has a strong presence in Russia, BASF Catalysts is a key part of the Group’s large automotive technology offering, helping car makers improve the environmental performance, energy efficiency, safety and esthetics of their vehicles.  

Along with mobile emission-control catalysts, BASF offers automotive coatings, including films that provide a metallic look to polymer materials; developing technology that can reduce the surface temperature of car seats; insulation that features high temperature resistance, high fire protection and extremely low weight; and metal/plastic hybrid materials that offer higher crash resistance. 

Dr. Rodkin spoke at the 12th Annual Adam Smith Institute Russian Automotive Industry Forum March 17-19 in Moscow, which was attended by hundreds of automotive industry leaders, government officials and others who are active or interested in the Russian automotive market.  

About BASF’s Catalyst division

BASF’s Catalysts division 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.

About BASF

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. 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 approximately 97,000 employees and posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com

P-09-173