BASF supplies paints for innovative electric car

With the paints, BASF is contributing to the i3’s unique design, which is exceptionally clean, reduced but, at the same time, dynamic. The i3 has another special feature that also extends to the coating: The passenger compartment is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). “We are very pleased to be a partner of the BMW Group also for this innovative model. Driving sustainable solutions is one of BASF’s strategic principles,” said Dr. Alexander Haunschild, head of Automotive OEM Coatings Europe at BASF. 

The car consists of a CFRP body-in-white on which the coated plastic add-on parts are mounted. This concept means new challenges for the coating of the add-on parts and for the associated application processes. BASF’s many years of experience in coating add-on parts has paid off. Frank Naber, BASF’s Account Manager for BMW Europe, explained: “Our laboratory teams joined forces with the BMW Group to develop a coating for the special construction of the i3. In Leipzig, we also provide technical field service on site on a daily basis.”

BASF is supplying basecoats in four colors for the new i3 production line at the BMW plant in Leipzig

BASF has been a supplier for the BMW plant in Leipzig since its start-up in 2005 and provides the automotive manufacturer with modern paint systems worldwide.

About the Coatings division

In the Coatings division, BASF 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 2012, t he Coatings division of the BASF Group achieved global sales of nearly €3 billion. The internet address is www.basf-coatings.com. You can download a copy of the customer magazine Coatings Partner from www.coatingspartner.com

About BASF

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of €72.1 billion in 2012 and more than 110,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.