Renault First to Use Unique Engelhard Technology to Reduce Emissions from Diesel Passenger Cars

    ISELIN, N.J--March 5, 2003--New technology from Engelhard Corporation is being used on Renault's Vel Satis luxury sedans to cut diesel emissions by more than 95%, making the Vel Satis one of the cleanest diesel passenger cars in the world.
    The car is the first light duty vehicle to feature Engelhard's unique catalytic soot filter (CSF) pollution-control system. Combined with a diesel oxidation catalyst, the system destroys more than 95% of the hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter created by diesel engines.
    The new technology draws on Engelhard's expertise in both auto-emission catalysts and catalytic soot filters for diesel trucks and buses.
    Renault unveiled the specially equipped Vel Satis 2.2 dCi at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this week. The cars will be available throughout Europe beginning in the second quarter. Renault also plans to equip other models with the new technology in the coming months. Other European auto manufacturers are evaluating the technology, as well.
    "Diesel cars account for more than 40% of new car sales in Europe because of their excellent performance and fuel economy," said Edmund A. Stanczak, Jr., Engelhard's group vice president and general manager of Environmental Technologies. "We are proud to be in the forefront of technology to make diesel passenger cars more environmentally sound."
    Emissions from diesel engines are of increasing concern to government regulators in Europe and around the world because they have been linked to respiratory diseases and other human health impacts. The new Renaults equipped with the Engelhard system qualify for European tax incentive programs intended to encourage voluntary reductions in diesel pollution. In addition, strict new regulations on emissions from diesel vehicles take effect throughout Europe in 2005. New technology, like the Engelhard system, will be needed to meet these standards.
    "We've completed a multi-million-dollar program to significantly expand manufacturing capacity and research and development capabilities for diesel-emission-control technologies," Mr. Stanczak said. "We expect to be a leading player in this emerging market."
    Engelhard's catalyzed soot filter works by trapping particulate matter, or soot, from the engine. The filter features a proprietary catalytic coating that enables the device to burn the soot during normal driving conditions, thereby regenerating itself. This regeneration process is initiated by the car's sophisticated engine-management system and does not require fuel additives or any action by the car owner.
    The new technology is being supplied by Engelhard's European production facility in Nienburg, Germany.
    Engelhard Corporation is a surface and materials science company that develops technologies to help customers improve their 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