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A high-quality paint job

Manufacturing News Center

After a series of comprehensive and rigorous technical evaluations, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation announced that they have renewed their approval of BASF's refinish systems for repairs covered by warranty.

"The approvals mean that dealers and independent collision repair shops can use BASF's R-M and Glasurit systems with complete confidence for all of their work," said Joe Skurka, Manager, Original Equipment Manufacturer and Industry Relations, for BASF's Automotive Refinish business in North America.

"A high-quality paint job, which is something a car owner can see immediately, is a crucial part of ensuring customer satisfaction," said Skurka. "Also, the repaired paint must last as long as the original finish. That's why the major auto manufacturers have developed stringent specifications for refinish paints so that vehicles will be restored as closely as possible to their original condition."

Skurka said that car owners are generally more knowledgeable and demanding than in the past, and expect the paint repair to be literally undetectable. They also realize that a quality repair can also help maintain the car's residual or resale value.

Approvals by the automakers are given only after close inspection of the results from a battery of tests conducted at BASF's test labs. "Repair paints are subjected to rigorous tests similar to those undergone by coatings used on new cars," said John Hughes, Refinish Paint Specialist, Ford Motor Company. "We have seen the performance of automotive refinish paint systems improve significantly over the past several years."

Testing of refinish systems is continuous as new products are introduced and existing ones are improved. Weathering, chip resistance, stain resistance and corrosion protection are among the factors evaluated. A few of the tests, like long-term weathering, take years to complete. BASF's test labs also use sophisticated equipment that accelerates the effects of environmental conditions.

After its own exhaustive evaluations, BASF conducts a technology review for each OEM. Typically, more than 500 test panels are displayed at each review, and every panel is closely examined by a paint expert from the automaker.

According to Skurka, BASF brings a special expertise to developing refinish paints that meet auto industry standards. "BASF is a leading global supplier of coatings for new cars. As a result, our refinish business is able to stay abreast of evolving paint technologies worldwide. We apply that knowledge and experience to develop repair coatings that deliver results indistinguishable from original factory finishes. Nearly every manufacturer selling vehicles in North America recognizes the Glasurit and R-M brands as meeting the quality and performance standards for repairing its respective vehicles," said Skurka.

Automakers publish a list of the approved paint systems for distribution to their dealers and to independent collision repair facilities. "The list of approved repair systems is an important customer-satisfaction tool for dealers and independent repair operations," said Skurka. "A high customer-satisfaction rating helps build long-term customer loyalty and helps attract new business, which is especially important in an increasingly competitive marketplace."

R-M and Glasurit are registered trademarks of BASF Corporation. Helping Make Products Better is a trademark of BASF Corporation.

About BASF: Helping Make Products Better(TM)

| BASF is the world's leading chemical company, offering its customers a range of high-performance products, including chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as crude oil and natural gas. Its distinctive approach to integration, known in German as "Verbund," is its strength. It enables BASF to achieve cost leadership and gives the company a competitive advantage. BASF conducts its business in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. In 2002, BASF had sales of $34 billion and more than 89,000 employees worldwide. BASF Corporation is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. In North America, 2002 sales were approximately $8.2 billion and the company employs approximately 12,000 people.

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Source: BASF

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