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.

More informations about EOLYS and the DPF technology

• Contacts

If you would like more informations, please contact:
ec-general@eu.rhodia.com