Audi has signed an agreement with BASF approving the eco-friendly waterborne premium refinish paint system “Glasurit” as its authorized refinish for usage by the company’s dealership network. Audi is thus the first car manufacturer in India to work with BASF on this globally acclaimed breakthrough product. The BASF product – Glasurit 90 Line Innovation – provides outstanding finish while cutting down solvent emission by 90 per cent and also cutting the cost of waste disposal by 95 per cent.
Mr. Benoit Tiers, Managing Director, Audi India, said: “We have been working with BASF worldwide, and I am sure we will take the partnership to new heights by working together in India. Environmental issues are very important in this country, and we are taking a big step in this direction by combining the highest quality in after-sales service with eco-friendly solutions for our luxury cars.”
By the by, BASF’s newly launched Glasurit 90 Line Innovation is the first waterborne refinish system to be introduced in India.
Mr. Prasad Chandran, Chairman, BASF Group in India, and Head (South Asia), observed: “It is BASF’s continuous endeavour to provide hi-tech, innovative products that help our customers to become more successful in the market place. As a partner of choice, our team is looking forward to extending our best-in-class services to Audi in India.”
“We are very proud to be supplying our Glasurit products, particularly the ‘90 Line’ to Audi in India. I believe that the excellent finish and durability delivered by Glasurit will maintain customer satisfaction at a high level. With the official approval of Glasurit, we will be able to provide tangible value supporting the Audi’s after-sales service”, said Dr. D. Ramkumar, Chief Executive, BASF Coatings India.
The Coatings Division of the BASF Group develops, produces and markets a range of industrial and innovative automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinishes as well as decorative paints. BASF has a significant market shore in coatings in Europe, North America, South America and the Asia/Pacific region. In 2007, BASF Coatings achieved global sales of almost 2.6 billion euros.
BASF Coatings is among the most important paint suppliers in the country. Currently the Indian automotive industry is growing at an annual rate of 15 per cent each. Since 1996, BASF Coatings has contributed to this growth as a partner by providing its global know-how in automotive OEM coatings of all kinds. Besides India, Asia-Pacific also hosts BASF Coatings’ operations at production sites in Australia, China, Japan and the Philippines.
BASF markets a comprehensive range of automotive refinishing paint systems, focusing on eco-efficient waterborne basecoats and high- solid paints. By using these systems all legal solvent-reduction requirements can be complied with anywhere in the world, and with regard to appearance and resistance, the products meet the same quality standards as solvent-borne paints. In this area, the company offers a wide variety of services to support its customers.
For details, visit www.basf-coatings.com
