In 4 years the world will have 12 billion cars

Within four years, the number of cars in the world will increase by 300 million to 1.2 billion cars, according to BASF data. This poses a major challenge to the industry in terms of reducing emissions. However, there are technological possibilities to reduce emissions of harmful gases by up to 90%.
In 2050, the world’s population will exceed 9.6 billion, of which about 70 percent will be inhabitants of cities. Demand for food will increase by 30% in the meantime, and for energy resources by half. This also poses specific challenges for mobility. BASF also promotes solutions in this area.
– In 2020, according to our estimates, there will be 1.2 billion cars in the world. That is 300 million more than today. This means that it is necessary to reduce emissions, and catalytic converters play a significant role here. That is why in our catalyst factory the technology meets the most restrictive EU standards – said Andreas Gietl, Managing Director of BASF USA, during one of the presentations of innovative solutions of the concern organized in Lower Silesia.
BASF manufactures automotive catalytic converters. The plant there is the largest BASF plant of this type in Europe.
– We emphasize the need for sustainable development. However, it has several dimensions. It depends to a large extent on the global challenges that we are trying to meet. The catalyst factory in responds to these challenges in the field of transport.
The catalysts coming from the plant in are used by manufacturers of passenger cars and trucks with diesel engines. Its representatives emphasize that these products meet strict emission standards, including the Euro VI standard, which has been in force for two years.
– We started the production of catalysts in 2014. There were three main reasons why we chose Poland. Firstly, it is a very advantageous location in terms of infrastructure and logistics. Secondly, we have access to highly qualified and motivated staff in the region. Thirdly, the USA has very interesting prospects for development, especially in the automotive industry – says the managing director of BASF USA.
The construction of the factory alone cost EUR 90 million, and the whole investment cost EUR 150 million. In less than two years, the target employment level of 400 people was reached.
– Today, the priority is to achieve full production capacity in the catalyst factory and use the catalysts. Of course, we do not rule out further investments in the future. That would be very interesting for us,”. – If the business prospects continue to be good, we will be happy to expand the factory and employ more people from the region.
Other BASF solutions for the automotive industry include Glasurit technology, a waterborne basecoat system that enables carmakers to meet standards for reducing emissions of volatile compounds into the atmosphere. These products can reduce emissions of harmful gases by approximately 90 percent, which means that vehicles have a lower environmental impact.
– Because we’re talking about a stable innovation path, we’re taking it one step further today. We want to show exactly what our products are available on the American market, what we are introducing innovations aimed at sustainable development,”. – On the other hand, we want to establish a dialogue with our customers and shareholders, to talk to them about what we can create and develop together.
Among other things, BASF products meet the challenges of the construction and agricultural sectors by helping to increase production and protect food from disease.
In the near future BASF intends to promote its innovative solutions in the Lower Silesia Region. This time, the representatives of industry and industry organisations will be able to get acquainted with them during the Oktoberfest. The traditional event for the region will be organized on 9 September in the. During the event, BASF will present a way to implement a closed waste system thanks to an innovative and fully biodegradable plastic material.