FLORHAM PARK, NJ, February 1, 2008 -- BASF has launched a new Web site, www.basf.com/puradd, to promote the benefits of gasoline detergency additives to fuel retailers and consumers in North America.

“There is considerable discussion in the industry about the level of detergency additives needed to keep a car’s engine clean and running properly,” said Brian Lieberman, director, Performance Chemicals-Automotive and Refinery Industry for BASF in North America. “As the world’s leading chemical company and a major global supplier of gasoline detergency additives, we can offer useful data and information for motorists as well as our customers.” 

The Web site includes a calculator to help consumers estimate how much extra using high detergency fuel will cost compared to gasoline treated at lower rates, plus data and images from some of BASF’s own laboratory tests.

“With the high price of gasoline, paying more at the pump for higher detergency might seem daunting, but we can demonstrate that it represents a relatively inexpensive investment to keep a car’s engine clean and running properly,” said Lieberman.
While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all gasoline to be treated with minimum levels of detergency additives, BASF believes higher treat rates are more effective at reducing the build-up of deposits on fuel injectors and intake valves, which helps improve a car’s performance and drivability.

A growing number of auto manufacturers and gasoline marketers share the belief that higher levels of detergency are better for car engines and ultimately the environment, too. The “Top Tier” Detergent Gasoline program, initiated by several of the world's leading automakers, promotes a higher standard than the one required by the EPA, and recognizes a number of retailers for meeting that standard. BASF markets gasoline detergency additives under the brand name PURADD™ in North America.

“PURADD detergency additives function similarly to laundry soap in a washing machine, seeking out and dispersing dirt, allowing the dirt to be washed away,” said Alfred Jung, Ph.D., technical services manager, Performance Chemicals-Automotive and Refinery Industry for BASF in North America. “PURADD additives also form a protective barrier to keep the carburetor, injectors, intake manifold and intake valves free of deposits - as long as the product is continuously used at adequate levels.”

PURADD fuel additives are a key element of BASF performance packages that promote cleaner engines for lower maintenance cost, improved fuel economy and drivability and fewer harmful emissions for a better environment. Unlike some products available on the market, PURADD additives are made with a proprietary chemistry that enables a purer, cleaner and high performing detergent.

BASF - The Chemical Company. We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.®

BASF Corporation, headquartered in New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF employs more than 15,500 in North America and had sales of approximately $14.3 billion in 2006. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s high-value products and intelligent system solutions help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to meet the challenges of the future and open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. BASF has over 95,000 employees and posted sales of €52.6 billion (approximately $66.1 billion) in 2006. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.