Honeywell's Developmental Refrigerant Meets Global Warming Regulation

Technology targets future auto applications

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Feb. 16 -- Honeywell announced today a patented developmental refrigerant for automotive air conditioning applications that will meet 2011 European Union environmental standards for reducing use of global warming potential (GWP) substances.

This latest technology is part of Honeywell's continued long-term initiative to address current and potential regulatory requirements and to meet the changing needs of its customers. In the 1990s, Honeywell helped manufacturers replace ozone-depleting refrigerants and improve the energy efficiency of stationary air conditioning systems.

Honeywell's new, low-GWP refrigerant was announced as auto manufacturers and their suppliers gathered in Saalfelden, Austria this week for the Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) Summit. The event is hosted by the European Commission.

At the MAC Summit, a major automaker will present a preliminary assessment of environmental performance for several non-carbon dioxide (CO2) alternatives. The European Commission also will speak to its Mobile Air- Conditioning Directive, which mandates the phaseout of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) R-134a beginning in 2011 for all new auto platforms. The EU-required phaseout was based on predictions that long-term use of existing refrigerants could contribute to global warming. Honeywell's new technology is a substitute for HFC-134a.

"The results of our initial performance, toxicity and flammability testing are encouraging," said Richard Preziotti, vice president and general manager for Honeywell's Fluorine Products business. "The testing has shown that our new technology can be used as a direct replacement for HFC-134a with minimal reengineering of automotive systems. We have sampled potential customers and Tier 1 suppliers, and initial feedback is positive. We believe it is a more practical and cost-effective solution than CO2."

Honeywell will provide additional details on its new technology in March at the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan (JSAE) Automotive Air- Conditioning Conference in Tokyo.

Honeywell International is a $28 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, Chicago and Pacific Stock Exchanges. It is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For additional information, please visit http://www.honeywell.com/.

Honeywell Specialty Materials, based in Morristown, N.J., is a global leader in providing customers with high-performance specialty materials, including fluorine products; specialty films and additives; advanced fibers and composites; intermediates; specialty chemicals; electronic materials and chemicals; and technologies and materials for petroleum refining.

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