Moscow - BASF has signed an agreement with Russian carmaker LLC Avtovaz to supply polyurethane materials for the construction of the front and rear suspension for the Lada Priora brand powers, according to BASF in Russia.
"According to Avtovaz's new strategy of development until 2020, the main priority in coming years will be given to the introduction of new technologies which will help to boost the attractiveness of Russian cars in the national and foreign car markets," BASF said.
The company added, "For such purposes the company promotes the usage of polyurethane materials of BASF for the interior, exterior and engine room of its new cars."
BASF and Avtovaz signed the agreement for the supply of BASF's microcellular polyurethane elastomer Cellasto. This material has noise-vibration-harshness properties which will be useful for the cars. Parts made from this material minimise noise and vibration from the engine and chassis respectively.
Cellasto will be used by Avtovaz for the new cars Lada Priora, the manufacturing of which will be started in 2015. The average annual volume of production should be about 200,000 cars per year. The manufacture of polyurethane car parts will take place at a new plant of Avtovaz - Lada B, where the direct supplies of polyurethane of BASF will be sent.
The heads of the Avtovaz also claim that the main emphasis of the cars will be energy efficiency, lightweight and and environmental friendliness. Cellasto will help achieve these aims, as components made using the material weigh 15% less than rubber.
"The partnership with BASF is interesting for our company in terms of development of new engineering solutions, which will help us to improve the supply of products and parts of cars of high quality and with new consumer properties," commented Evgeny Shmelev, the vice president of technical development of Avtovaz.
BASF and Avtovaz have been working in partnership for 10 years. Currently the companies are in discussion about further usage of polyurethane elements in car manufacture.
