China carmakers to adopt eco-friendly coatings

Shanghai, June 25 (Gasgoo.com) The all-new DuPont laboratory and manufacturing facilities in China are speeding up Chinese automakers' adoption of coatings with improved environmental performance, Azom.com said today.

The Shanghai-based technical center and the manufacturing operations in Changchun allow nearby DuPont scientists to respond quickly and efficiently to local customers' needs.
 
For insatance, Shanghai General Motors uses on its sleek Cruze models the advanced DuPont finishes made in China. The new Shanghai GM plant in Shenyang is located just west of the DuPont Changchun plant, and will use the DuPont water-based coatings produced at that facility.

Shanghai GM, a joint venture between General Motors and China's auto giant SAIC, has an annual capacity of 150,000 cars, and is not affected by the General Motors bankruptcy filing. Shanghai GM launched its Shenyang plant in December 2008 to produce Chevrolet Cruze compact sedans.

"Shanghai GM has demonstrated its commitment to more sustainable processes by designing this water-based coatings technology into its new plant," said B.C. Chong, vice president and general manager of DuPont Automotive OEM Coatings.

"The water-based coatings we have introduced in China not only perform well and look great, but they also help reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) -- the contributor to the formation of ground-level ozone or smog," Chong said.