BASF Catalysts’ PremAir smog-reducing technology is featured on the new, custom-built supercar, the Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina, a unique automobile based on a chassis of a 2003 Ferrari Enzo. This is PremAir’s first application on an exotic performance vehicle that reaches speeds of up to 233 mph. The P4/5 was designed, engineered and built entirely by Pininfarina, a leading design company within the automotive industry who has collaborated with Ferrari since 1952.

BASF Catalysts' PremAir technology is the first commercial product that destroys harmful,  ground-level ozone already in the air. When applied to heat-exchange surfaces, such as car radiators, PremAir effectively turns them into "smog eaters." The catalyst reduces ozone in the air that passes over coated surfaces by converting ozone molecules into oxygen molecules instantly upon contact. PremAir destroys up to 80% of harmful, ground-level ozone in the air that passes across it.  Ground-level ozone is the main component of smog and is directly linked to respiratory problems and damage to vegetation.

“We’re excited to be involved with the development of the Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina, one of Italy’s most exciting new high-performance cars,” said Erik Nielsen, Product Development Engineering Manager, Environmental Technologies. “We are pleased that Pininfarina choose to incorporate a clean-air technology as unique as the vehicle itself.”
 

Since its launch, more than 3 million PremAir-equipped cars have been sold in the US, Europe and Asia.  BASF Catalysts’ breakthrough PremAir ozone-destruction catalysts are also featured on most Volvo cars, and on certain BMW, Mercedes and Hyundai models.

With a history dating back to 1930, Pininfarina is now one of the major suppliers of design, product and process engineering and manufacturing of niche vehicles on the automotive scene. Backed by the experience, creativity and innovation that have always been the hallmarks of its business, Pininfarina now acts as partner in product and interior design and extra-automotive means of transportation. Following the growth and internationalisation of the Group, Pininfarina now has more than 3,000 employees, and facilities in Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Morocco and China. The company’s customers include leading auto-makers.

BASF Catalysts, a division of BASF Corporation, is the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts.  The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics, adsorbents and other products. BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s high-value products and intelligent system solutions help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to meet the challenges of the future and open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. BASF has over 95,000 employees and posted sales of €52.6 billion in 2006. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF) and Zurich (AN).