BASF to Increase Chinese Catalyst Capacity

BASF announced that it will invest €40 million over the next two years to double production capacity for emission control catalysts at its facility in Shanghai, China.  This expansion is in response to the growth in the automobile production sector within China as well as the continued adoption of more stringent emissions standards for vehicles in the domestic Chinese market.

Stage IV emission regulations for light-duty vehicles were introduced in China in 2010; the more restrictive Stage V requirements are scheduled by 2015. Stage IV emissions regulations for heavy-duty vehicles and motorcycles are scheduled to be implemented in 2013 and 2015, respectively.  This continues to be a promising market for expansion of emission control catalyst usage. (http://www.catalysts.basf.com/Main/mediaroom/news_releases/Shanghai.be).