BASF and BMW have once again teamed up, this time for the i3, the BMW Group’s first model driven entirely by electric power. BASF is supplying basecoats in four colors for the new i3 production line at the BMW plant in Leipzig. The i3 was launched in November 2013.
With the paints, BASF is contributing to the i3’s unique design, which is exceptionally clean, reduced but, at the same time, dynamic. The i3 has another special feature that also extends to the coating: The passenger compartment is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). “We are very pleased to be a partner of the BMW Group also for this innovative model. Driving sustainable solutions is one of BASF’s strategic principles,” said Dr. Alexander Haunschild, head of Automotive OEM Coatings Europe at BASF.
The car consists of a CFRP body-in-white on which the coated plastic add-on parts are mounted. This concept means new challenges for the coating of the add-on parts and for the associated application processes. BASF’s many years of experience in coating add-on parts has paid off. Frank Naber, BASF’s Account Manager for BMW Europe, explained: “Our laboratory teams joined forces with the BMW Group to develop a coating for the special construction of the i3. In Leipzig, we also provide technical field service on site on a daily basis.”
BASF has been a supplier for the BMW plant in Leipzig since its start-up in 2005 and provides the automotive manufacturer with modern paint systems worldwide.