Award-winning coating technology from BASF improves energy efficiency of vehicles

• Passive temperature management impresses jury of the iF Design Award
• Paint formulation reduces temperature rise inside vehicles
• Functional properties of paints support modern mobility

BASF’s Coatings division has won the internationally coveted iF Design Award in the category “Automobiles/Vehicles” for its functional paint technology for passive temperature management. The jury of the iF Design Award honored the specific properties of the paint system and its design potential for mobility of the future – a successful combination of functionality and design. The prize was presented during the iF Design Award Night at “BMW Welt” in Munich.

The functionality of paints is playing an increasing role in the field of automotive OEM coatings. Due to a special formulation, the new temperature management system from BASF not only provides protection and creates a high-level finish for vehicles, it also ensures additional comfort and greater efficiency. The paint system utilizes a basecoat, which is transparent to high-energy near infrared (NIR) radiation, and an NIR reflecting filler. In this combination, the paint reduces the vehicle surface temperature by up to 20° C on hot summer days, which has a positive effect on the temperature inside the vehicle. This means the air conditioning system is used less to control the temperature in the car. “Factors such as A/C regulation have a major impact on the range of a vehicle, particularly in the field of electromobility. Our technology reduces energy consumption and thus optimizes the vehicle’s efficiency,” explained Stephan Schwarte, head of Pigments, Dispersions & Innovative Colors EMEA at BASF.

In addition to the functionality, the jury of the iF Design Award was also won over by the design potential of the paint technology. “Colors and special effects offer carmakers the opportunity to accentuate the shape of the vehicle and to give the model its unique character. Our temperature management system covers a wide color spectrum that incorporates both light and dark colors – without compromising product quality,” said Mark Gutjahr, head of Automotive Color Design EMEA at BASF.

About BASF’s Coatings division

The Coatings division of BASF is a global expert in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings, decorative paints as well as applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a wide range of industries. The portfolio is completed by the “Innovation Beyond Paint” program which aims at developing new markets and businesses. We create advanced performance solutions and drive performance, design and new applications to meet our partners’ needs all over the world. BASF shares skills, knowledge and resources of interdisciplinary and global teams for the benefit of customers by operating a collaborative network of sites in Europe, North America, South America and Asia Pacific. In 2017, the Coatings division achieved global sales of about €3.97 billion.

Solutions beyond your imagination – Coatings by BASF. For more information about the Coatings division of BASF and its products, visit www.basf-coatings.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The more than 115,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of €64.5 billion in 2017. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.