BASF invests in new lab to develop tailpipe emission control catalysts for the Indian automotive market

BASF Catalysts India Private Limited (BCIL), a subsidiary of BASF Environmental Catalysts and Metal Solutions (ECMS), has opened a new Research and Development and Applications (RD&A) lab at its facility in Chennai to focus on developing emission control catalysts for the unique needs of the Indian automotive market.

“This new RD&A lab will allow us to develop market-specific catalyst formulations that meet the unique needs of the Indian market with agility and flexibility,” said Saeed Alerasool, Senior Vice President, R&D & Analytics, ECMS. “With this investment, ECMS is able to help our customers address fuel diversification and stricter tailpipe emission requirements and ensure we are ready to support future vehicle technologies.”

The opening of the new lab is a key step in India’s growing automotive industry and the Indian government’s commitment to diversifying fuel sources, including further adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable biofuels and hydrogen. This requires local OEMs to launch vehicles that can run on any biofuel gasoline blend.

In addition, the upcoming stricter emission requirements also pose new challenges for Indian automakers.

Sujan Saha, Business Head India and Head Southeast Asia, Mobile Emission Catalysts, said: “With this new laboratory at our Chennai facility, BCIL is able to provide end-to-end support to our customers, from initial catalyst development to final product delivery. This also strengthens our local presence in India to meet the needs of our customers."