BASF S.E. has signed an agreement with Russian auto maker LLC Avtovaz to supply polyurethane materials for the construction of the front and rear suspension for the Lada Priora brand, according to BASF in Russia.
BASF and Avtovaz signed the agreement for the supply of BASF's microcellular polyurethane elastomer Cellasto. This material has noise-vibration-harshness properties used in cars. Parts made from this material minimize noise and vibration from the engine and chassis respectively, according to the company.
Cellasto will be used by Avtovaz for Lada Priora cars, which will begin to be produced in 2015. The average annual volume produced should be about 200,000 cars per year, Avtovaz said. The manufacture of polyurethane car parts will take place at a new plant, where direct supplies of polyurethane of BASF will be sent.
Avtovaz officials say the cars will be energy efficient, lightweight and environmentally friendly. Materials made with the Cellasto are 15 percent lighter 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," said Evgeny Shmelev, vice president of technical development of Avtovaz.
BASF and Avtovaz have been working in partnership for 10 years. The companies are discussing more uses of polyurethane elements in the production of vehicles.
