Rhodia Presents Comprehensive Automotive Solutions for Emissions Reduc

Rhodia Presents Comprehensive Automotive Solutions for Emissions Reduction and Efficiency Challenges

    Business Editors/Environment Writers/Automotive Writers
    SAE 2005 World Congress

    DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2005--Comprehensive solutions for reducing automotive emissions and improving vehicle operating efficiency are now available from specialty chemicals producer Rhodia Inc. (NYSE:RHA). The company's array of automotive technologies is highlighted by emissions control catalysts, new thermoplastics for lightweight engine components and silica technologies for lowering rolling resistance of automotive tires.
    When taken together, these technologies can virtually eliminate diesel particulate emissions and significantly improve vehicle fuel efficiencies.
    "Rhodia's comprehensive automotive product line addresses a broad spectrum of challenges for emissions control and fuel efficiency," according to Jean-Claude Steinmetz, general director of Rhodia Engineering Plastics, who leads the company's automotive markets group.
    "What's more, these are not merely experimental concepts or lofty aspirations. These are products that are available today and proven through years of real-world applications and use. These products deliver results," he said.

    Rhodia's proven technologies include:

--	The Eolys(TM) fuel-borne catalyst for complete regeneration of diesel particulate filters. More than one million diesel-powered vehicles emit virtually zero particulates in Europe, thanks to the diesel particulate filter combined with Rhodia's unique Eolys(TM) technology. The third generation of Eolys(TM) improvements allows maintenance-free operation for the lifetime of the vehicle (more than 155,000 miles).
--	The new Optalys(TM) materials for catalytic converters (three-way catalyst). This new range of OSC materials for automotive catalysis has already recorded outstanding performance, marked by improved durability and emissions reduction of 10-30 percent, after very severe aging conditions. In addition, Rhodia products are used in more than one in four catalytic converters produced in the world today for emission reduction from gasoline-powered vehicles.
--	The Technyl(R) line of polyamide engineering thermoplastic materials. Large automotive engine components like air intake manifold systems and rocker covers are merely the latest area where Rhodia brings design flexibility, parts consolidation, lighter weight, cost effectiveness and improved performance to the auto industry. More than 30 percent of the current portfolio of Technyl(R) resins has been developed and introduced to the automotive market during the last five years. Rhodia's record of successful innovation and new product introduction is unmatched by any supplier of polyamide in the world today.
--	Rhodia's Zeosil(R) (ZS(R) in the U.S.) high performance silicas for tires deliver fuel and emission savings. Autos equipped with tires containing Rhodia's silicas deliver up to a five percent decrease in fuel consumption and emissions. Rhodia's expertise in silica technology developed new ways to reduce the rolling resistance between tires and road surfaces, while maintaining grip in snow and wet conditions, boosting mileage and cutting emissions through lower fuel consumption.

    All these Rhodia technologies are displayed with technical staff available for meetings with engineers and technical experts attending the World Congress of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) this week in Detroit.
    Steinmetz explains that the Rhodia line has enjoyed extraordinary success in Europe. "As we bring these technologies to the attention of U.S. automotive engineers, product designers and technical experts, we are confident that their recognition will prompt a new, closer examination of available technologies that are proven effective."
    Rhodia also anticipates that its product success abroad will attract the attention of U.S. regulators following an implementation schedule for new emissions controls and standards set for 2007.
    "There is absolutely no question that our technologies achieve the results sought in the prospective U.S. requirements," asserts Steinmetz. "In fact, Rhodia's Eolys(TM) is the only product that's proven effective for achieving the emissions results demanded by the anticipated requirements.
    "We hope that U.S. agencies will recognize this performance in meeting strict European emissions requirements, and take a new, fresh look at the possibilities for the U.S. automotive market."
    He continues, "Ours is the only technology available on an industrial scale that can meet the emissions requirements for mass-produced applications. And our products succeed through existing, proven technology that's ready for a very economical introduction here and now. Our record of one million vehicles speaks for itself--no other products compare."
    Rhodia's prowess in automotive technologies extends to engineered thermoplastics, where the company is one of Europe's most-recognized suppliers of polyamide-based raw materials. Rhodia's Technyl(R) line of engineered thermoplastics includes new and diverse applications ranging from engine components to exterior body panels.
    Rhodia's Technyl(R) A218 MT 15 V25 polyamide is used for ultra rigid, meter-long rocker covers on the new straight-six cylinder engines from MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG. These new engines are compact, comparatively light and particularly quiet.
    The cover itself contains 15 percent mineral filler and 25 percent glass fiber, giving the PA 66 high rigidity while maintaining low values for shrinkage and warpage and good isotropic shrinkage characteristics.
    Last summer, Rhodia launched a new, pure, Technyl(R) polyamide solution for online painting of automotive vertical body panels. Technyl(R) A 238P5 M25 is electro-paintable, withstands e-coat temperature up to 200 degrees C and meets all critical application requirements for impact, surface appearance and processability.
    "Rhodia offers significant technological advantages through a full range of engineering thermoplastics," according to Steinmetz. "And, as the automotive industry becomes more global, Rhodia is poised to supply its technologies competitively in any region."
    Rhodia's high performance silica is likewise recognized by tire manufacturers with global operations. "The new generation of well-known, efficiency-enhancing tires owes much of its effectiveness to high performance silica that reduces resistance between the tire and road surfaces," Steinmetz explains.
    "Right here in the United States, our silica manufacturing capacity serves strong demand from global manufacturers who are able to source raw materials from Rhodia as a global supplier."

    Rhodia is a global specialty chemicals company recognized for its strong technology positions in applications chemistry, specialty materials & services and fine chemicals. Partnering with major players in the automotive, electronics, fibers, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, consumer care, tires and paints & coatings markets, Rhodia offers tailor-made solutions combining original molecules and technologies to respond to customers' needs. Rhodia subscribes to the principles of Sustainable Development communicating its commitments and performance openly with stakeholders. Rhodia generated net sales of 5.3 billion euros in 2004 ($7.2 billion using the Dec. 31, 2004 USD/Euro exchange rate of 1.3621) and employs 20,000 people worldwide. Rhodia is listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges.

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CONTACT: Rhodia Communications (North America) David Klucsik, 609-860-3616 david.klucsik@us.rhodia.com or Rhodia Engineering Plastics (Europe) Christine Bourguignon, +33 4 72 89 27 53 christine.bourguignon@eu.rhodia.com or Rhodia Fine Inorganics and Silicones (Europe) Stephane Champlong, +33 4 37 91 81 13 stephane.champlong@eu.rhodia.com or Rhodia Engineering Pastics (North America) by J. Caccese Marcom & PR Services John H. Caccese, 718-619-8127 johncaccese@marcom-pr.net

KEYWORD: MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL EUROPE TRACK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MANUFACTURING CHEMICALS/PLASTICS AUTOMOTIVE ENVIRONMENT TRADESHOW PRODUCT SOURCE: Rhodia, Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2005