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• 09/13/05 - Rhodia exhibits at IAA 2005, Frankfurt

Improving your performance with Rhodia ! Rhodia provides its automotive customers an offer with unique technology and expertise, especially in environment, performance, comfort, and safety. As a leader, Rhodia demonstrates an ongoing commitment to innovation and added value for its customers. We are committed to offering the highest level of service to our customers. Feel free to visit us on our Booth A32 – Hall 6.1 from 13th to 26th of September.

• 09/09/05 - RHODIA LAUNCHES 3rd GENERATION EOLYS™

0.002 euros per km! The most reliable solution is also very cost competitive
Once the particles have been collected in the filter, they need to be eliminated to ensure the filter does not get blocked up and cease functioning. The only way to destroy them is to burn them. The great advantage and originality of Eolys™ is to be completely miscible and consequently "hosted" by the diesel fuel. The Eolys™ catalyst is continuously delivered to the soot particles collected in the filter, resulting in the systematic regeneration of the DPF, without maintenance, during the life of the vehicle.

The other key issue for the wider adoption of DPF technology is the overall cost of the system. The combination of Eolys™ with a Diesel Particulate Filter is currently among the cheapest solutions for diesel soot PM elimination. The initial cost of complete additive-based filter systems is between 450 and 550 euros including costs for the additive storage and dosing system… all of which works out at an average price of 0.002 euros per km!

A major contribution for a wide spread implementation of DPF technology
OEMs have to comply with new standards and regulations: the European Commission has recently announced new targets with a 80% reduction of PM, limited to 5 mg per km. In addition, the European Commission has published a working paper recommending rules for establishing fiscal incentives for cars that exceed the current regulatory requirements. The principal OEMs, especially in Germany, have announced that they will now be fitting diesel cars with Diesel Particulate Filters as standard equipment.

The recent development of Eolys™ through a technological platform also offers in this context the most flexible and practical solution. Cooperation with INERGY, the world leader for plastic fuel systems, has led to an easy-to-integrate solution: the INSAS on-board dosing system that is fully driver transparent and requires no servicing.

Moreover, the efficiency of the Eolys™ solution allows different configurations for positioning the DPF in the vehicle (close-coupled strategy, close to the engine to take advantage of the hot exhaust gases, as well as the under-floor strategy, far from the engine), offers greater flexibility, and makes it possible to integrate other, and future, emission control systems (Nox-SCR, etc.).

A solution available for series production as well as for retrofit applications
In conclusion, 3rd Generation Eolys™ makes a significant contribution to technical and economical issues related to the DPF.

Today the combination of Eolys™ + DPF is the only technology:
• with four-year field experience and track record in terms of reliability, durability, robustness and flexibility ;
• with 12 years’ experience in off-road and network applications: construction machines, forklift trucks, generators, city buses, refuse trucks, delivery trucks, etc.
• available for standard production as well as for retrofit applications.

The combination of Eolys + SiC Dpf has been approved for 2005 by Europe’s “VERT project” for effectively eliminating virtually all diesel particulate emissions when used with the ExoClean™ diesel particulate filter. Some recent development programs are underway for bus fleets, refuse trucks and light duty commercial vehicles.

Press contacts:
Contact:
Stephane Champlong
Rhodia Silcea +33 6 74 59 87 13 stephane.champlong@eu.rhodia.com

• 03/08/04 - Rhodia introduces OPtalys™: a new range of OSC materials


A new range of OSC materials for catalytic converters for outstanding performance - The OPtalys™ range is a new generation of materials used in automotive catalytic converters. Possessing unique characteristics thanks to a new technology cross-over, OPtalys™ is a step forward in materials designed for durable applications in automotive emissions control.

Detroit, March 9, 2004 At the Society of Automotive Engineers conference in Detroit, Rhodia (NYSE: RHA) announced the launch of OPtalys™, its new range of OSC (Oxygen Storage Components) materials used in automotive catalytic converters. OPtalys™ shows excellent thermal resistance which imparts outstanding durability and performance. Vehicle tests at customers using OPtalys" show a 10 to 30% improvement in emissions reduction even after very severe aging, compared to present benchmark technologies. Durability is key to meeting the new automotive emissions legislation and keeping system costs under control.

OPtalys™ materials may be applied as precious metal carriers in either close-coupled or underfloor catalysts. Their composition may be fine-tuned and they are particularly suitable for new and future applications requiring improved catalytic performance.

Industrialization will take place in Q3 2004 and OEM applications using this technology will be on the market as soon as 2005.

Rhodia (formerly Rhone-Poulenc) is a specialty chemical company and a well-known partner with more than 25 years' experience in the automotive emissions control industry. Rhodia's know-how in rare-earth based materials has been developed and applied to other elements. The new OPtalys™ range benefits from the combination of each elements characteristics and performance (e.g., high oxygen storage capacity coupled with outstanding thermal and phase stability at temperatures in excess of 1100°C).

This technology cross-over enables Rhodia to develop an ever-broadening range of products to meet the ever-increasing performance demands of the rapidly expanding automotive emissions control market.

Press contacts:
stephane.champlong@eu.rhodia.com

Investor Relations
nicolas.nerot@eu.rhodia.com

• 11/24/03 - Eolys™ soon in Chinese buses? A fine example of co-operation between the Institut Universitaire Asie-Pacifique

La Rochelle, November, 24th 2003. As part of the development of exchanges with its Chinese university partners, the Institut Universitaire Asie-Pacifique (‘IUAP’) of the University of La Rochelle is sending a delegation of representatives and its President over to the Chinese town of Wuhan (capital of Hubei province) at the end of November to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the University of Wuda. Apart from its prestigious university, one of Wuhan’s charanteristics (with 4 million inhabitants) is… its very high levels of atmospheric pollution due partly to an intense economical activity in the heavy industry sector and a very dense urban transport network.

Among the subjects that the French university delegation wishes to discuss is the project to reduce diesel fuel emissions from the buses of La Rochelle, a project led by Rhodia, Airmeex and the Institut Français du Pétrole (French Oil Institute). The ‘soot filter + fuel-borne catalyst Eolys™’ system which is to be progressively fitted to about 50 La Rochelle buses enables a significant reduction in diesel engine emissions as demonstrated by tests on these buses (elimination of over 95% of soot particle emissions and 80% of unburnt hydrocarbons…). Such a system should no doubt be of interest to the Wuhan authorities as it is amongst the most efficient in the world: the level of soot particles in the exhaust gas being lower than in the air entering the engine.

This could result in some commercial leads for Rhodia and its site in La Rochelle which manufactures Eolys™. For now, this is yet another fine example of co-operation between university and industry, a co-operation which is already well established in La Rochelle. As a reminder, the FLASH (Faculté des Lettres, Langues, Arts et Sciences Humaines – Literary, Languages, Arts and Human Sciences Faculty) very early on opened up its UFR Committee to a number of external personalities, including a representative of Rhodia. What is more, a number of La Rochelle students have benefitted from training periods in Rhodia sites (Shanghai, Liyang, Baotou) in China. Indeed, both organisations are very much turned towards Asia. The University of La Rochelle which is pursuing the establishment of the IUAP, provides courses that are unique in France and is internationally renowned thanks to the relations it develops and maintains with a number of universities throughout the world.

Press contacts:
Press contacts:
IUAP Université de La Rochelle
Laurent Augier
Tel : (33) 5 46 45 85 49 – Fax : (33) 5 46 45 68 55
e-mail : laurent.augier@univ-lr.fr

Investor Relations

Rhodia La Rochelle
Stéphane Champlong
Tél : (33) 5 46 68 34 27 – Fax : (33) 5 46 68 63 61
e-mail : stephane.champlong@eu.rhodia.com

• 01/22/02 - Inauguration of Rhodia's Eolys™ production unit: tangible proof of successful partnerships and a commitment to sustainable development


La Rochelle, January 22, 2002 - Rhodia Electronics & Catalysis, whose international headquarters are based in La Rochelle (France), is organizing the official inauguration of a new production unit devoted to the Eolys™ additive, one of the Group's major innovations. The system developed by Peugeot Citroën-involving the Eolys™ additive used in conjunction with a particulate filter-is now recognized as one of the leading references in the area of automotive pollution control equipment fitted to diesel-powered vehicles designed for the general public.

Tangible proof of successful partnerships and a commitment to sustainable development

Jean-Pierre Tirouflet, Chairman and CEO of Rhodia, saw this inauguration as tangible proof of successful partnerships and a commitment to sustainable development:
"This inauguration clearly testifies to the fact that our industry is striving to reduce worldwide pollution by helping to equip the cleanest diesel engines ever produced for the mass market. It also illustrates our policy of forging partnerships with dynamic manufacturing groups, and the importance placed by Rhodia in innovation. It also confirms the global scope of the economic activities of our Group and the favored relationships we want to maintain both with China and with our local partners: elected representatives, institutional representatives, and the academic community."

Owing to the special relationship forged with China by the Enterprise and the Rhodia Group as a whole, this event will be held in the presence of His Excellency Wu JianMin, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in France, in addition to a large number of public figures, including:

Han Tiecheng, Minister advising in matters related to economic affairs and trade of the People's Republic of China; Maxime Bono, a Member of the French Parliament, Mayor of La Rochelle and Chairman of the Urban Community; Catherine Normandin, Vice-President of the Regional Council of the Poitou-Charentes region; André Dulait, French Senator; Christian Leyrit, Prefect of the Charentes-Maritimes region; Christian Eskenazi, Chancellor of the University of La Rochelle. Philippe Cohet, President of Rhodia Electronics & Catalysis, will welcome these public figures along with representatives from several international partner companies: Peugeot-Citroën, Founder (Chine), Ibiden (Japan), Faurecia (France).


A promising market for Rhodia

The "Particulate Filter - Eolys™" technology reconciles diesel engines with environmental protection. The initial durability tests carried out over a long period of time on a Peugeot 607 HDi equipped with this system studied exhaust gas emissions over a total distance of 80,000 km (50,000 miles). The tests produced spectacular results: more than 99.9% of the particles are eliminated. As a result, the Peugeot 607 HDi releases 10,000 times fewer particles than any other comparable vehicle. According to European regulations, these measurements represent the release of 0.001 grams of particles per kilometer covered. These results are significantly better than the level required by this legislation due to come into force in Europe in 2005.

The Particulate Filter - Eolys™ system is currently the only mass-produced technology capable of achieving such outstanding results. It is already fitted to the Peugeot 607 and 406, the new Peugeot 307 and Citroën C5.

Rhodia's Eolys™ additive has already won approval at the European level: the environmental protection agencies in both Germany (UBA) and Switzerland recommend its use in conjunction with a particulate filter. The French Environment Ministry has also given its official approval for use in this area. In Europe, the market for diesel-powered vehicles represents potential sales in the region of 4 million units per year.

Press contacts:
Lucia Dumas Tel: 33 (0)1 55 38 42 51
Stéphane Champlong Tel: 33 (0)5 46 68 34 27

Investor Relations
Sylvie Marchal Tel: 33 (0)1 55 38 41 79

• 06/08/01 - Rhodia boosts its cyclopentanone production capacity by 40%


La Rochelle, June 8th, 2001 - In anticipation of the increased demand and quality requirements of the electronics and perfumery markets, Rhodia is investing 2 Million Euros in the debottlenecking of its cyclopentanone plant in Melle (France),. This investment represents a capacity increase of 40%, that will be operational in September 2001.

This increase in capacity confirms Rhodia's world-wide leadership in Cyclopentanone.
In effect, Rhodia benefits today from a unique position thanks to :
- a high-temperature technology with an innovative and highly efficient catalysis process
- an upstream integration on the adipic acid chain
These tools give Rhodia a strong competitive position and guarantee the quality and consistency of the product.

This 2 Million Euros investment is the first step in a 3-phase debottlenecking plan aimed at doubling capacity and leading to the manufacture of other ketones by high temperature chemistry.

This reinforcement of Rhodia's world-wide leadership in cyclopentanone and more generally in ketones produced by high temperature reactions confirms the long term commitment of Rhodia to perfumery specialties, and especially to the service of the creators of the most prestigious perfumes.

High-purity range of electronic chemical products
In Electronics, Cyclopentanone is used in wafer manufacturing processes. It is particularly required as Developper for different polyimides families, and as solvent for some photoresists. Rhodia Electronics & Catalysis commercializes two high-purity grades, which brand names are : RHODIASOLVä.CPT and RHODIASOLVä.CPT.ULSI.
Over Cyclopentanone, Rhodia Electronics & Catalysis provides to the Electronic market very-high purity acids (H2S04, H3PO4, HCl..), specialty solvents (RHODIASOLVä.MPE.XP-Anisole-, RHODIASOLVä.IAA-Isoamylacetate-) , monomers (Salicylaldehyde), stripper additives (Catechol XP , HP ) etc…
Besides, thanks to Rhodia's important diversity of barriere technologies, Rhodia Electronics & Catalysis is working in close cooperation with players in the Electronic market to develop high performance customerized products.

Rhodia is one of the world's leaders in specialty chemicals providing products and services to the automotive, health care, fragrance, apparel, electronics, personal care and environmental markets. Rhodia generated net sales of 7.4 billion euros in 2000 and employs 30,000 people worldwide. Rhodia is listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges. For more informations on Rhodia, please contact our web site : www.rhodia.com.

Press contacts:
Jean-Christophe Huertas, HQ - Phone: + 33 1 55 38 42 51
Stéphane Champlong, Rhodia Electronics & Catalysis - Phone: + 33 5 46 68 34 27

• 03/09/01 - Philippe Cohet, new President of Rhodia Electronic & Catalysis


Paris, March 9th, 2001 - In a series of appointments within the Group's Management team, Philippe Cohet, previously Director of Corporate Purchasing, is named as President of the Electronics & Catalysis Enterprise, and will officially take up his duties in March. He succeeds André Blazquez, who is appointed President of the Polyamide Division.

This appointment follows other recent changes for the Enterprise : on January 1st 2001, Rhodia Rare Earths changed its name to Rhodia Electronics & Catalysis. This new name emphasizes its mission to be a development partner and a leading supplier of advanced materials to the Electronics and Catalysis markets.

It also reflects its newly-assumed responsibility for the development and marketing of all Rhodia Group products used in these markets and thus the extension of its core competencies beyond rare earth technologies.

To better respond to the challenges arising from this new market focus, the Enterprise will be structured around three Business units : Electronics, Catalysis and New Markets.

Philippe Cohet (39), who graduated as a civil engineer from the Ecole des Mines in 1983, started his career in Rhône-Poulenc as a Chemical Engineer in the Pont-de-Claix Phenol and Bisphenol units before becoming Bisphenol Production Manager in 1984. In 1988, he joined the Organic Intermediates Department as Manager in charge of Strategic Studies. In 1990, he was appointed Manager of the Silicone Elastomers Profit Center. In 1995, he became President of Rhodia Silicones in North America, and President of the Silicone and Tires & Rubber Sectors of Rhodia Inc. In 1997, he was appointed President of the business activities of the Industrial Specialties Division in the United States. Since June 1998, he has been Director of Rhodia's Corporate Purchasing Department.


Rhodia is one of the world's leaders in specialty chemicals providing products and services to the automotive, health care, fragrance, apparel, electronics, personal care and environmental markets. Rhodia generated net sales of 7.4 billion euros in 2000 and employs 30,000 people worldwide. Rhodia is listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges.

Press contacts:
Jean-Christophe Huertas, HQ - Phone: + 33 1 55 38 42 51
Stéphane Champlong, Rhodia Electronics and Catalysis - Phone: + 33 5 46 68 34 27

• 12/18/00 - Président's letter

La Rochelle, December 18. 2000

Dear Sir,

We are pleased to inform you that from January 1st 2001,
Rhodia Rare Earths will change its name to 'Rhodia Electronics and Catalysis'.

This new name emphasizes the mission of our Enterprise to be a development partner and a leading supplier of advanced materials to the Electronics and Catalysis markets.

It also reflects our newly-assumed responsibility for the development and marketing of all Rhodia Group products used in these markets and thus the extension of our core competencies beyond rare earth technologies.

To better respond to the challenges arising from this new market focus, the Enterprise will be structured around three Business Units :

- Catalysis
- Electronics
- New markets

Once again, I would like to underline that theses changes demonstrate our commitment to bringing our customers greater value through joint-development and partnership.

Your local Rhodia Electronics and Catalysis representative will be pleased to answer any questions that you may have regarding the above.

Let me take this opportunity of wishing you every success in the new year,

Yours sincerely,

Andre BLAZQUEZ
President

• 09/07/00 - Rhodia develops its rare earths activities in China


Paris, September 7, 2000 - Rhodia, through its subsidiary Rhodia Rare Earths, and its two Chinese partners, Beijing Founder Group Co; Ltd and Liyang Licheng Economic General Industrial Co; Ltd, today announced the creation of a joint-venture, located in Jiangsu province (near Shanghai), and grouping the assets of the Liyang rare earth plant and new manufacturing units utilizing Rhodia's technology. Rhodia will hold 45% of the shares in this new company.

This joint-venture, called Liyang Rhodia Founder Rare Earth New Material Co; Ltd, will develop high-tech products for the electronic, automotive, chemical and glass markets. Initially, these products will be dedicated to overseas markets and to the fast downstream developing market in China.

By this new joint-venture, Rhodia extends its industrial operations in China, an emerging market and key location for manufacturing rare earths products.

* * *

Rhodia, one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, contributes to improving the quality of life by developing value-added products, services and solutions for the beauty, clothing, foodstuffs and healthcare markets as well as for the environment, transport and manufacturing industries. Including Albright & Wilson, Rhodia employs 30,000 people worldwide and recorded pro-forma sales of 6.7 billion euros in 1999. Rhodia is listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges.

Press contacts:
Jean-Christophe Huertas - Tel. : 33 1 55 38 42 51

Investor Relations
Angélina Palus - Tel. : 33 1 55 38 42 99

• 06/21/00 - Rhodia/CTI Inc agreement for the use of rare earths in stat-of-the-art medical imaging


Paris, June 21, 2000 - Rhodia and CTI have signed a development and supply agreement covering the use of a rare-earth compound in the new generation of medical imaging devices based on PET technology (Positron Emission Tomography). This agreement illustrates the strategy of Rhodia Rare Earths to develop, in partnership with its customers, added-value specialty products.

The principle of PET is based on recording the emissions of an intravenously-injected tracer. In addition to acting as a direct indicator of the biochemical and functional activity of body organs, PET provides images showing their dynamic functioning.
Originally applied to the study of the brain, PET is now successfully used in early detection of cancer, allowing more rapid and adapted treatment. It is also successfully used for various diagnostic applications such as heart disease and brain disorders.

Rhodia Rare Earths is the leading worldwide manufacturer of rare earth materials used in automotive emissions control, material coloration, glass polishing, chemicals, electronics, luminescence and medical imaging.


CTI Inc., is the leading supplier of products and services for positron emission tomography (PET) which allows the early detection, diagnosis, and therapy planning of cancer and other diseases utilizing molecular medicine techniques. CTI products are distributed worldwide through Siemens Medical Systems. Founded in 1983, CTI is a privately held corporation headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee - USA.

Rhodia, one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, contributes to improving the quality of life by developing value-added products, services and solutions for the beauty, clothing, foodstuffs and healthcare markets as well as for the environment, transport and industry. Rhodia employs 24,800 people worldwide and recorded sales of 5,525 billion Euros in 1999. Rhodia has been listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges.

Press contacts:
Jean-Christophe Huertas - Tel. : 33 1 47 68 21 11

Investor Relations
Angélina Palus - Tel. : 33 1 47 68 11 09

• 01/17/00 - The equip auto 99 silver trophy awarded for the diesel particulate filter system developed for use with Rhodia's EOLYS™ fuel-borne catalyst


Paris, January 12, 2000 - The fine-particulate filter system developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën in association with Rhodia and Faurecia has been awarded the Silver Trophy in the Engineering Creation Grand Prix competition organized by the Equip Auto 99 trade fair.

Rhodia's fuel-borne Eolys™ catalyst, when used in conjunction with a particulate filter, makes it possible to eliminate more than 99% of the soots-including the very finest particles-released by diesel engines.

A Promising Market for Rhodia

This new technology reinforces the position of the diesel engine as a promising future solution that is both economically efficient and friendly to the natural environment. It also enables the diesel engine to achieve-today-emission levels lower than those required by the most stringent regulations in this area (effective in 2004 in the USA and in 2005 in Europe).

At the same time, Rhodia, through its Enterprise Rhodia Rare Earths is pursuing the development of the Eolys™ catalyst in co-operation with other European and American motor manufacturers, both for private cars as well as for commercial and heavy goods vehicles.

In Europe, the market for diesel vehicles represents potential sales in the region of 4 million units per year.

* * *

Rhodia, one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, contributes to improving the quality of life by developing value-added products, services and solutions for the beauty, clothing, foodstuffs and healthcare markets as well as for the environment, transport and industry. Rhodia employs 23,500 people worldwide and recorded sales of 5,5 billion Euros in 1998. Rhodia has been listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges since June 25th, 1998.

Equip Auto 99 attracted some 160,000 visitors, representing increased attendance of more than 8% compared with the previous exhibition organized in 1997. Equip Auto is the only trade fair of international stature to bring together representatives from the entire motor industry, from initial design to maintenance. The increase in the number of visitors was even more significant as far as the international presence was concerned, with 40,000 visitors (up 10%) from 115 different countries.

Press contacts:
Jean-Christophe Huertas - Tel.: 33 (0)1 55 38 42 51

Investor Relations
Angélina Palus - Tel.: 33 (0)1 55 38 42 99

• 10/05/99 - Rhodia Rare Earths growing in Asia


Paris, October 5, 1999 - Rhodia and Santoku Metal Industry Co. Ltd (Kobe, Japan) announced today that Santoku will acquire Rhodia's metals and alloys activities based in Phoenix, Arizona. This move is in line with Rhodia's strategy to concentrate on Specialty Chemicals businesses.

In a separate transaction, Rhodia and Santoku also announced today a further step in their Japan-based joint venture, Anan Kasei, which started in December, 1993. Through its Enterprise Rhodia Rare Earths, Rhodia will increase its shares in Anan Kasei from 34% to 67% and Santoku will remain a key joint-venture owner in this company with 33% of the shares. This acquisition will strengthen the position of Rhodia in the field of rare earth salts and oxides in Japan, which is the leading worldwide market .

Both transactions should be completed this month.

Rhodia Rare Earths is a leading worldwide manufacturer of rare earth salts and oxides, marketed in automotive emissions control, material coloration, electronics, luminescence, magnetism, batteries, glass and chemical catalysis.


Santoku is a leading worldwide manufacturer of metals and alloys for the high performance batteries and magnets. These products are manufactured from rare earth salts and oxides.

Rhodia, one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, contributes to improving the quality of life by developing value-added products, services and solutions for the personal care, clothing, food and healthcare markets as well as for the environment, transport and industry. Rhodia employs 23,500 people worldwide and recorded sales of euro 5,5 billion in 1998. Rhodia has been listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges since June 25, 1998.

Contacts

Press Relations
Jean-Christophe Huertas - Tel.: 33 1 47 68 21 11
Investor Relations
Angélina Palus - Tel.: 33 1 47 68 11 09



• 28/07/99 : Baotou Rhodia Rare Earths Co. Ltd. obtains ISO9002 certification

(Beijing, September 13, 1999) – Baotou Rhodia Rare Earth Co. Ltd. has recently obtained the ISO9002 Certificate, awarded by Moody Company, after strict control and inspection by this Company. That means Baotou Rhodia Rare Earth Co., Ltd. has reached a new level of quality control and guarantee.

Baotou Rhodia Rare Earth Co. Ltd. is a joint venture between Rhodia Rare Earths SA (France) which holds 55% of the shares, Westlake Investment Development Co.(USA,14.49%) and Baotou Rare Earths New Technology Development Zone General Company (China, 30.51%).

Founded in 1997, Baotou Rhodia Rare Earth Co., Ltd. produces rare earth chloride, cxide, rare earth compounds, rare earth metals and NiMH powder. The main products are exported.

The Board of Director has required the Company to set up the ISO 9002 system in order to satisfy customers’ demands and to be in line with the Rhodia Group quality regulations. Therefore Baotou Rhodia invited French experts to help to establish and operate the ISO 9002 system.

The ISO 9002 Certification process started in September 1998 with the creation of a specific taskforce, in charge of co-ordinating the personnel efforts at all levels, all the staff of the company was being involved. Training sessions and exchange meetings were held and a lot of processes documents, working recommendation books and quality control records were edited. These efforts were rewarded when Baotou Rhodia Rare Earths received, in June 1999, ISO 9002 certification.

Rhodia, one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, contributes to improving the quality of life by developing value-added products, services and solutions for the beauty, clothing, foodstuffs and healthcare markets as well as for the environment, transport and industry. Rhodia employs 23,500 people worldwide and recorded sales of 5,5 billion Euros in 1998. Rhodia has been listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges since June 25th, 1998.

Press contacts:
Mei Li Rhodia China Communication - Tel.: 86 10 6510 2315

Wang Genhou Baotou
Rhodia Rare Earth Co., Ltd. - Tel.: 86 472 7900918

• 09/13/99 - Baotou Rhodia Rare Earths Co. Ltd. obtains ISO9002 certification


(Beijing, September 13, 1999) - Baotou Rhodia Rare Earth Co. Ltd. has recently obtained the ISO9002 Certificate, awarded by Moody Company, after strict control and inspection by this Company. That means Baotou Rhodia Rare Earth Co., Ltd. has reached a new level of quality control and guarantee.

Baotou Rhodia Rare Earth Co. Ltd. is a joint venture between Rhodia Rare Earths SA (France) which holds 55% of the shares, Westlake Investment Development Co.(USA,14.49%) and Baotou Rare Earths New Technology Development Zone General Company (China, 30.51%).

Founded in 1997, Baotou Rhodia Rare Earth Co., Ltd. produces rare earth chloride, cxide, rare earth compounds, rare earth metals and NiMH powder. The main products are exported.

The Board of Director has required the Company to set up the ISO 9002 system in order to satisfy customers’ demands and to be in line with the Rhodia Group quality regulations. Therefore Baotou Rhodia invited French experts to help to establish and operate the ISO 9002 system.

The ISO 9002 Certification process started in September 1998 with the creation of a specific taskforce, in charge of co-ordinating the personnel efforts at all levels, all the staff of the company was being involved. Training sessions and exchange meetings were held and a lot of processes documents, working recommendation books and quality control records were edited. These efforts were rewarded when Baotou Rhodia Rare Earths received, in June 1999, ISO 9002 certification.

Rhodia, one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, contributes to improving the quality of life by developing value-added products, services and solutions for the beauty, clothing, foodstuffs and healthcare markets as well as for the environment, transport and industry. Rhodia employs 23,500 people worldwide and recorded sales of 5,5 billion Euros in 1998. Rhodia has been listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges since June 25th, 1998.

Press contacts:
Mei Li Rhodia China Communication - Tel.: 86 10 6510 2315

Wang Genhou Baotou
Rhodia Rare Earth Co., Ltd. - Tel.: 86 472 7900918

• 07/28/99 - Rhodia to sell its gallium business to geo specialty chemical Inc. (USA)


Paris, July 28, 1999 - Rhodia, pursuing its focus on core specialty chemicals, announces it is to selling its Gallium business to GEO Specialty Chemicals, Inc. The deal is expected to be completed by early September 1999.

Gallium is a metal used ultra pure, predominantly in optoelectronics systems (light emitting diodes), in electronics (high frequency integrated circuits), and less significantly in metallurgy (magnetism and substitution to mercury) and in catalysts.

Rhodia’s Gallium business had sales last year of approximately euros 15 million ($ 16 million). The divestment project concerns the complete Gallium business, including the manufacturing facilities in activity located in Stade, Germany and Salindres, France, and administrative offices based in Paris.

The Gallium business would be contributed, partially in the form of assets, to the capital of a new stock company, which would be immediately acquired by GEO Specialty Chemicals, Inc.

Rhodia, one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, contributes to improving the quality of life by developing value-added products, services and solutions for the beauty, clothing, foodstuffs and healthcare markets as well as for the environment, transport and industry. Rhodia employs 23,500 people worldwide and recorded sales of 5,5 billion Euros in 1998. Rhodia has been listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges since June 25th, 1998.

GEO Specialty Chemical Inc. is a specialty chemical manufacturer serving the construction, paper, coatings, oil field and water treatment industries, with annual sales of $200 million.

Press contacts:
Jean-Christophe Huertas - Tel.: 33 1 47 68 21 11

Investor Relations
Angélina Palus - Tel.: 33 1 47 68 11 09

• 04/19/99 - Rhodia's EOLYS™ fuel-borne catalyst is to be used in clean diesel engines


La Rochelle, April 19th 1999) - The PSA Peugeot-Citroën Group, one of the world's leading diesel vehicle manufacturers, will equip its new generation of clean diesel engines with a particulate filter system using Rhodia's EOLYS™ fuel-borne catalyst. Commenting on this decision, André Blazquez, Managing Director of Rhodia Rare Earths said: "PSA's decision to use EOLYS™ is a major step forward for this innovative technology developed by our research teams, to provide added-value solutions for our customers and to ensure the growth of the company."

Elimination of diesel particles

The EOLYS™ fuel-borne catalyst manufactured by Rhodia Rare Earths, used in conjunction with a particulate filter, enables the elimination of more than 99% by number of emitted particles, including ultra-fines.

The Board of Director has required the Company to set up the ISO 9002 system in order to satisfy customers’ demands and to be in line with the Rhodia Group quality regulations. Therefore Baotou Rhodia invited French experts to help to establish and operate the ISO 9002 system.

The "VERT" European program has confirmed the efficiency of this technology.

The German (UBA) and Swiss (BUWAL) Environment Agencies recommend the use of Rhodia's EOLYS™ catalyst with a particulate filter. The French Ministry for the Environment has also expressed a favorable opinion on the use of Eolys.


A growing market for Rhodia

This new technology strengthens the diesel engine's position as a high performance, economic and environmentally-friendly solution for the future. As of today, particulate emission levels from vehicles equipped with the EOLYS™ catalyst and particulate filter conform to the most stringent regulations (due to be introduced in 2004 in the US and in 2005 in Europe)

Rhodia Rare Earths is continuing to develop the EOLYS™ catalyst with other European and American manufacturers for use in cars, vans and trucks.

It is estimated that the European diesel vehicle market is currently 4 million units per year.


Rhodia, one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, contributes to improving the quality of life by developing value-added products, services and solutions for the beauty, clothing, foodstuffs and healthcare markets as well as for the environment, transport and industry. Rhodia employs 23,500 people worldwide and recorded sales of 5,5 billion Euros in 1998. Rhodia has been listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges since June 25th, 1998.

• 01/06/99 - A leading commercial ans industrial force


Courbevoie, January 6th, 1999 - Rhodia Rare Earths is reinforcing its position as worldwide leader on the separated rare earths market by rationalizing its industrial processes, improving its competitivity, introducing a series of new investments and speeding up the launch of new products.

Rare earths (14 lanthanides, yttrium, scandium) are natural elements which contain exceptional properties in terms of luminescence, catalysis, magnetism, optics, electronics and coloration.

Rhodia increases its industrial competitivity

In order to be more competitive, Rhodia Rare Earths is strengthening its Western (US and French [La Rochelle]) and Japanese production units to produce more high performance products. Simultaneously, upstream activities in China will be developed in order to establish an even balance of base elements produced for the manufacture of finished products at competitive prices.

The construction of a separation workshop will commence in January 1999 at Baotou (China) at its subsidiary's site, Baotou Rhodia Rare Earths.

The construction of a second production unit in this country is currently being evaluated.

The Freeport plant (Texas) will cease its separation activities at the end of the first quarter of 1999 in order to concentrate on finishing high performance products for the US market.

Metal and alloy activities will be regrouped in Phoenix (Arizona) where the company disposes of various production workshops and commercial and development teams.

Rhodia strengthens its position as worldwide leader

The demand for rare earths for high tech applications is a fast growing market at around 10% per year.

Today the development of high performance products for many technological applications represents 55% of the group's gross profits versus only 20% some six years ago. This has enabled Rhodia to consolidate its position as worldwide leader on the separated rare earths market. Rhodia Rare Earths has succeeded in retaining its market share on a very competitive market by focusing on specialty chemical products, which are less cyclical and offer higher added-value.

Rhodia has not only reinforced but also enhanced its position in Asia by developing a sales network in the region which is home to half of the world's technology market.

Speeding up the launch of new products

With a research and development budget equal to 7% of the company's turnover, Rhodia Rare Earths is focusing on developing new products and applications which are more environmentally friendly and conform to the most stringent legal requirements and legislation.

These include technologies for automobile emissions control, flat plasma TV screens, polymer catalysis, non-toxic pigments for the coloration of materials, etc

By establishing partnerships with its key clients around the world, Rhodia has ensured its involvement in the development of new products and their speedy launch on the market.

Rhodia, one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, contributes to improving the quality of life by developing value-added products, services and solutions for the beauty, clothing, foodstuffs and healthcare markets as well as for the environment, transport and industry. Rhodia employs 23,500 people worldwide and recorded sales of 5,5 billion Euros in 1998. Rhodia has been listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges since June 25th, 1998.

• 09/09/05 - DIESEL EMISSIONS CONTROL


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