Engelhard Debuts Online System to Enable Car Makers to Test, Order Emission Catalysts

    ISELIN, NJ--July 26, 2001--Engelhard Corporation has introduced the industry's first online service to enable automotive engineers to simulate emissions systems for specific engines.
    Ford Motor Company of North America is the first auto maker to use Engelhard's online, interactive emissions simulator to streamline the process of designing and sampling auto-emission catalysts.
    The simulator enables automotive engineers to plug in engine parameters and then choose among a number of variables, including type of catalyst, substrate, cell density, precious metal loading and emission targets. With the help of the simulator, the engineers can predict how a specific catalyst system would perform in particular car models.
    Ford engineers find the service saves them time and guesswork in the emission-system-design process. They are able to see right on their computer screens, in just a few minutes, how different catalysts may perform. Then, they can order samples immediately online.
    The online tool can predict catalyst performance under different driving conditions and can be used to simulate multiple-catalyst systems with differing under-floor and/or close-coupled configurations.
    In addition to the simulation function, Engelhard's new service allows users to purchase catalyst samples quickly and easily through an online order form. Once an order is placed, a user can track the delivery process from Engelhard's manufacturing facility any time of day or night.
    "This interactive, online service can help auto makers reduce both the cycle time and the cost associated with designing emission systems," said Ed Stanczak, group vice president and general manager of Engelhard's Environmental Technologies. "It is a technology-based service that addresses a real market need."
    Engelhard is offering the service to automotive manufacturers worldwide. The roll out will be on a company-by-company basis because the service, like the catalysts themselves, must be tailored for each individual customer.
    Engelhard Corporation is a surface and materials science company that develops technologies to improve customers' products and processes. A Fortune 500 Company, Engelhard is a world-leading provider of technologies for environmental, process, appearance and performance applications. For more information, visit Engelhard on the Internet at www.engelhard.com.