BASF supplies PSA Peugeot Citroën bodyshop network in Italy

• Cooperation covers products, training and services
• Over 250 authorized bodyshops will change over to BASF refinish products
• Global automotive industry expertise deciding factor

The new cooperation arrangement between BASF’s Coatings division and PSA Peugeot Citroën in Italy was launched in early 2016. First bodyshops of the carmaker were already changed over to BASF paint brands. Over the next four years, more than 250 will follow.

As a paint specialist with over 100 years of experience, BASF is a reliable partner of the automotive industry for both OEM production and the after-sales market.

"Our customers benefit from our long-term experience in the paint business and the ongoing exchange between our automotive OEM coatings and refinish products experts," said Oliver Birk, head of Key Account Management EMEA. "Thanks to this knowledge transfer and the global networking by our Key Account Managers, we are well-acquainted with both the market and with the carmakers' requirements and can ideally customize our portfolio accordingly."

BASF offers its customer a comprehensive portfolio of individual solutions and services for automotive refinishing as well as a distribution structure adapted to PSA's needs that extends far beyond the mere use of paint. BASF's range of products and services convinced PSA Peugeot Citroën to optimize its bodyshop network in Italy in cooperation with BASF and change over to the paint manufacturer's products.

"The key factors for our decision were BASF's high-quality product range along with its training and consultancy services, which are ideal for our use in our bodyshop network," explained Michele D'Ercole, head of sales for PSA Aftersales Parts and Services. The cooperation offers PSA bodyshops options for analyzing and optimizing bodyshop work flows, as well as consultancy services and technical and commercial training courses for technicians and bodyshop managers. Spray painters receive in-depth training on handling the new material at BASF's own training centers as well as at the bodyshops.

With its close cooperation with PSA, BASF is expanding its position as a reliable partner for high-quality refinishing and for comprehensive training and consultancy programs, at the same time strengthening its distribution channels in Italy.

About BASF’s Coatings division
The Coatings division of BASF is a global expert in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings, industrial coatings and decorative paints. We create advanced performance solutions and drive performance, design and new applications to meet our partners’ needs all over the world. BASF shares skills, knowledge and resources of interdisciplinary and global teams for the benefit of customers by operating a collaborative network of sites in Europe, North America, South America and Asia Pacific. In 2015, the Coatings division achieved global sales of about €3.2 billion.
Solutions beyond your imagination – Coatings by BASF. For more information about the Coatings division of BASF and its products, visit www.basf-coatings.com.

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 112,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of more than €70 billion in 2015. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information at www.basf.com.

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