BASF and Chinese OEM co-develop three electric concept cars

BASF and Chinese original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the Research and Development Center of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. (GAC R&D Center) recently introduced three co-developed electric concept cars, featuring futuristic designs that address the diverse needs of China’s drivers. Debuted at the Auto Guangzhou 2018, the three two-seat concept electric cars are designed by GAC R&D Center, with advanced prototyping support from designfabrik, BASF’s dedicated touch-point for engaging and inspiring designers.

The cars, which employ BASF’s materials and solutions, seek to address the diverse needs of a wide variety of drivers: senior citizens, female drivers, and others. BASF solutions have been used in areas like holistic air cleaning solutions to seat fabrics, as well as materials used to build the body panels and battery pack of the electric vehicles. Exterior auto body paints have also been co-developed by the two partners.

“This is the first time BASF has cooperated with a Chinese OEM to develop concept vehicles,” said Dr. Zheng Daqing, Senior Vice President, Business and Market Development Greater China, BASF. “Car sharing and electrification are highly important developments in the world’s largest auto market. Additionally, the needs and individual style preferences of Chinese drivers have become more diverse due to an increasing number of female drivers and senior drivers. BASF’s innovative materials enable flexible design and extended functionalities that best serve the different styles in our concept vehicles,” noted Mr. Zhang Fan, Vice President, GAC R&D Center.

Established in 2006, GAC R&D Center serves as the innovation and technology hub for Guangzhou Automobile Group. The near 4,000 researchers in GAC R&D Center work in 15 laboratories, a trial plant that include painting, assembly and machining, and a test track.