BASF named by Ford as preferred supplier of automotive products and services

07/18/06, Münster/Detroit. BASF has been named by Ford Motor Company as one of its preferred global suppliers, joining a select list of 36 suppliers in Ford’s “Aligned Business Framework.”

The Aligned Business Framework is a crucial element in Ford’s global program to reduce the number of suppliers the company uses, and to build more collaborative relationships with those suppliers. Globally, Ford has more than 2,000 production suppliers and spends around $70 billion dollars annually on production parts.

“We are pleased and honored to be selected by Ford as one of its preferred suppliers,” said Jeffrey A. Leone, BASF’s Global Account Director for Ford. “BASF has a long and proud relationship with Ford. This designation recognizes the consistent quality of our products and services as well as our commitment to helping Ford be more successful.”

In May 2006, BASF Coatings received Ford’s “World Excellence Award” for exemplary performance as a supplier of automotive coatings to Ford’s operations in North America and Europe.

As the world’s largest chemical company, BASF is a major supplier to the automotive industry worldwide. Its products include all the coatings layers used on vehicles, from electrocoats to clearcoats, as well as a wide range of plastics, polyurethanes, polymers, styrenics and inorganics used in the manufacture of automotive parts and components. BASF is also a leader in color development, working with automotive designers to stay ahead of color trends around the world and to create new colors and special-effect finishes.

“BASF is committed to being the premier provider of solutions to the automotive industry, not only by delivering superior products, but also by providing innovative technological solutions and application processes,” said Leone.

BASF Automotive Solutions. Performance Passion Success

BASF – The Chemical Company – is a leading-edge source of intelligent sustainable solutions to automotive manufacturers and their suppliers worldwide. With a full portfolio of technologies that include coatings, engineering thermoplastics, polyurethanes, pigments and colorants, coolants and brake fluids for a broad array of exterior, interior, chassis and under-the-hood applications, BASF – The Chemical Company - develops and delivers the innovations that help the automotive industry improve the quality, appearance, safety, cost competitiveness, performance, comfort, fuel efficiency, sustainability and durability of vehicles offered to the global marketplace.

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 intelligent system solutions and high-value products help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. In 2005, BASF had approximately 81,000 employees and posted sales of more than €42.7 billion. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

Contact Information

Dr. Michael Golek

BASF

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