BASF and the Research and Development Center of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. (GAC R&D Center) introduced three co-developed electric concept cars at Auto Guangzhou 2018, featuring futuristic designs that address the diverse needs of China’s drivers.

The three two-seat concept electric cars are designed by GAC R&D Center, with advanced prototyping support from designfabrik, BASF’s dedicated touch-point for engaging and inspiring designers. With BASF’s innovative materials and solutions, the new concept cars appeal to, and address the diverse needs of, a wide variety of drivers: senior citizens, female drivers, and more. They also address the trend towards car sharing—one of the fastest growing urban mobility concepts worldwide.

Car sharing and electrification are highly important developments in the world’s largest auto market. Additionally, the needs and individual style preferences of Chinese drivers have become more diverse due to an increasing number of female drivers and senior drivers. BASF’s innovative materials enable flexible design and extended functionalities that best serve the different styles in our concept vehicles.

—Zhang Fan, Vice President, GAC R&D Center

BASF’s solutions span holistic air cleaning solutions to seat fabrics, as well as materials used to build the body panels and battery pack of the electric vehicles. Exterior auto body paints co-developed by BASF and GAC R&D Center underline a unique personality for each concept vehicle.

In China, we see strong consumer demand for individualized car experiences and extended functionalities of passenger cars. This is the first time BASF has cooperated with a Chinese OEM to develop concept vehicles. We are excited to work with GAC R&D Center in shaping future mobility with our sustainable and innovative materials and solutions.

—Dr. Zheng Daqing, Senior Vice President, Business and Market Development Greater China, BASF

Details of BASF materials and solutions on the three concept cars exhibited at the 16^th Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition include:

• 2US: A two-seater electric vehicle designed for senior drivers has a unique design feature of a rotational seat base. It helps elderly drivers and passengers get into and out of the vehicle with ease. The plastic gears made from BASF’s Ultramid Advanced N enable smooth operation of the rotation mechanism, which is designed to rotate 90 degrees horizontally in-and-out of the car cabin.

• 2U: Designed to appeal to women seeking an automotive look that meets their individual style, this car showcases possibilities including a unique seat design with translucent trim parts made of BASF’s Ultramid Vision. The fur-like surface of the passenger’s seat design is brought to life with BASF’s Ultrafuse TPU 3D printing solution.

• 2ALL: This vehicle features several design elements to address the particular needs of car sharing, including easy operation and low maintenance. For example, the front bumper made from BASF’s Elastollan HPM, has an outstanding anti-scratch elastomer pad design. The seat back and pan cushion made with BASF’s Infinergy (E-TPU) particle foams combine comfort with robustness.

In 2017, BASF’s automotive driven sales totaled €11.4 billion—representing approximately 18 percent of BASF Group’s sales. BASF supplies and develops functional materials and solutions that enable vehicles to be built more efficiently and have a lower environmental impact, whatever powertrain technology they use. BASF’s product range includes plastics, coatings, catalysts, automotive fluids as well as battery materials.

Established in 2006, GAC R&D Center serves as the innovation and technology hub for Guangzhou Automobile Group. The near 4,000 researchers in GAC R&D Center work in 15 laboratories, a trial plant that include painting, assembly and machining, and a test track.