Organic flower power world premiere features R-M paints

BASF Coatings’ R-M automotive refinish brand used for the first bioconcept car in the history of car racing.

Münster. The world’s first bioconcept racing car has just celebrated its premiere at the International 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring race track in Germany. The rebuilt Mustang from Detroit is powered by biodiesel derived from rapeseed, which has the 4-cylinder turbo diesel purring like a kitten and is providing the approx. 260-horsepower engine with true sustainable drive. But fueling the engine isn’t the only way renewable primary products are being used for the racing car. Practically the entire body was manufactured from biogenic materials on the basis of flax and linseed oil. R-M, BASF Coatings’ automotive refinish paint brand, was responsible for coating the Mustang and provided an optimal coating solution for the materials, which so far have only been used on a limited basis. In addition to R-M, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Agency of Renewable Resources (FNR), as well as UFOP (Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants), have been some of the partners in this ambitious project. One of the PSP-Team’s pilots is Smudo, the lead singer of Germany’s best-known rap group “Die Fantastischen Vier” (The Fantastic Four).

“Our R-M brand stands for a sustainable, eco-efficient paint concept, quick solutions for all paint-related issues, as well as lifestyle,” says Thorsten Schlatmann, Head of Sales for R-M Germany. The daunting challenges posed by the finishing of the racing car were quickly met through close cooperation with BASF Coatings’ research laboratories. “Our many years of experience enabled us to master the task of coating the biogenic materials and customizing the paint job in accordance with the team’s requirements in terms of color and design and the sponsors’ branding guidelines. In addition, our global competence equips us with a huge range of experience, in this case, that of our colleagues in North America who had already painted a car that ran in the 24-Hour Race in Le Mans,” says Schlatmann. For R-M, the approach of the PSP car racing team is key: Speed, success at the race track, and fun can all go hand in hand with sustainability. And Smudo’s involvement in the project is also important for R-M. “He’s absolutely credible, demonstrates his love of technology and car racing in general, and is a partner we enjoy working with,” says Schlatmann.

Thorsten Stadler, the team’s technical leader and a driver himself, painted the car with the help of his crew. “In the field of racing, what counts is speed, precision, and flawlessness. The R-M paints met all these challenges,” he says. The team spirit, which is extremely important in racing, convinced him as well: “The material was right there when we needed it, application was trouble-free, and if we had any questions, R-M helped us right away. That’s what it takes in racing – and why should it be any different when it comes to paint jobs?” Stadler says.

This year, the PSP team will participate in all other races that are part of the auto racing championship series and is planning a special coup: They also plan to use the “sustainability car” to participate in the long-distance races in Dubai and Bahrain. “That’s exactly where we want to show that the need for sustainable concepts for the mobility of tomorrow is greater than ever today,” says Smudo.

R-M Automotive Refinish : an important part of BASF Coatings

Under the R-M brand, BASF markets a comprehensive range of automotive refinishing paint systems, focusing on eco-efficient waterborne basecoats and high-solids 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. R-M Automotive Refinish is approved by most of the leading car manufacturers for aftermarket repair and chosen by the world’s most prestigious car companies for its colour expertise.

BASF: A major international player in coatings

BASF Coatings AG belongs to the global Coatings Division of the BASF Group. In 2005 the Coatings Division achieved world sales of about 2.2 billion euros. The Coatings Division develops, produces and markets a high-quality range of innovative automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinishes and industrial coatings as well as decorative paints, and also the processes needed to apply them. In this business, eco-efficient water-based, powder and high-solids coatings as well as radiation-curable systems play a special part. In Brazil, the company has been successful in the decorative paints market for years and holds the leading position. BASF has a major, global presence in the Coatings sector, with significant market positions in Europe, North America, South America and the Asia/Pacific region, for example with affiliates in Australia, China, India, Japan, and the Philippines. The internet address of BASF Coatings is www.basf-coatings.com

Contact Information

Dr. Michael Golek

Media Contact

BASF Coatings

Contact via E-mail