BASF’s Coatings division is the sole supplier of automotive coatings for the new plant opened by Chinese automaker Chery in Jacarei, Brazil, which started operations in August. The shades that BASF will supply are red, white, black, silver and gray. Not only the metal, but also the plastic parts will be painted with BASF’s technology. The supply agreement between BASF and Chery includes waterborne coatings and the cathodic e-coat CathoGuard 800.

The cathodic e-coat is the first layer of the automotive paint system. CathoGuard 800 is an alternative to conventional products that often contain tin, according to the companies. The product has a low solvent content and provides material savings due to its high efficiency.

“In addition, the high level of CathoGuard 800 penetration ensures extra protection against corrosion,” said Fabian Garcia, BASF key account manager for Automotive OEM Coatings in Brazil.

Earlier this year, BASF invested €2.5 million in its Demarchi Coatings site, located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, to expand its capacity to service Brazil’s automotive industry with waterborne automotive coatings.

In these products, the water replaces most organic solvents, reducing emissions of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) without impairing the quality of the coating or the color tone.