BASF Expands Supply Agreement with Mercedes-Benz

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoonju Hwang] Global chemical company BASF has signed a multi-year contract with German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz for the Asia-Pacific region. Through this contract, BASF will strengthen its position as a supplier by providing Mercedes-Benz locations in Australia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand with not only repair and paint products but also a wide range of solutions related to colors, training, and business management.

Following the supply contract already signed with Mercedes-Benz for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, this expanded contract covers a broader scope and includes BASF’s premium automotive refinish paint brands Glasurit® and R-M®, as well as the paint-related product brand RODIM®. Additionally, the contract encompasses digital color solutions to enhance workshop capabilities and efficiency, world-class training programs and technical support, and the advanced business management solution Vision360®.

Under the agreement, BASF will provide integrated digital and data solutions, including high-performance digital color management tools that support faster workshop operations. Moreover, portable digital spectrophotometers will accurately measure automotive colors and quickly and easily provide color designers with the appropriate mixing ratios.

Chris Jackman, President of Global Strategic Customer Management at BASF’s Automotive Refinish Coatings division, emphasized, "This contract will foster growth for both companies," adding, "Mercedes-Benz was one of the initial pilot customers for BASF’s new digital solutions, improving business efficiency across its workshop network."

Meanwhile, BASF’s premium automotive refinish brands have been providing workshops with professional solutions and top-quality products for over 100 years. To meet the automotive refinish industry's demands for comprehensive efficiency, productivity, and sustainability, BASF recently introduced an environmentally friendly product line of automotive refinish solutions. This product range leads innovation in the global premium waterborne automotive refinish market by increasing workshop efficiency while offering the lowest volatile organic compound (VOC) content and the highest environmental standards.