Rhodia's Eolys Green Diesel Technology Eliminates Particulate Emissions; Million-Vehicle Milestone in Sight

Business Wire, Nov 24, 2004

CRANBURY, N.J. -- Nearly one million clean, diesel-powered vehicles will be on the road in Europe by early 2005, and the same technology that keeps them clean could soon be demonstrated in North America.

The million-vehicle milestone proves that available catalyst technology eliminates the black, sooty clouds of diesels, without compromising the power and acceleration essential for passenger vehicles, buses and heavy-duty trucks.

To introduce this proven technology in North America, Rhodia's (NYSE:RHA) Electronics & Catalysis business is redoubling its efforts to clear regulatory reviews and introduce the company's Eolys(TM) fuel-borne catalyst to the U.S. vehicle market for heavy and light duty diesel applications.

"Rhodia's Eolys(TM) fuel-borne catalyst, combined with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), eliminates smoke particulates," explains Chris York, general manager of Rhodia's Electronics & Catalysis business in North America. "It's safe, reliable, economical and it's already proven effective on nearly a million cars."

York continues, "The combination of Eolys(TM) with a diesel particulate filter is the most efficient, most reliable and sustainable solution currently available at an industrial scale for volume application. By using this combination in the post-treatment system, you achieve spectacular results: more than 99 percent of soot particulates are eliminated."

The DPF-Eolys(TM) catalyst combination ensures long-term performance that is significantly better than required by European environmental regulations for 2005, York adds. "Regulators in Europe are so convinced by the effectiveness of this technology that government authorities have enacted or are considering new policies creating tax incentives for vehicles featuring lower particulate emissions."

Eolys(TM) is a technically advanced, rare earth-based fuel-borne catalyst. When added to diesel fuel in trace amounts, it promotes the combustion of the soot collected by the DPF and allows its fast, complete and safe regeneration, a key feature of this best available technology. The Eolys(TM) catalyst can be premixed or added to the vehicle tank via an automatic, on-board dosing system. Engine performance and durability are not affected in the process and the fuel penalty of an emissions filter is minimized versus competing technologies.

Rhodia is a global specialty chemicals company recognized for its strong technology positions in applications chemistry, specialty materials & services and fine chemicals. Partnering with major players in the automotive, electronics, fibers, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, consumer care, tires and paints & coatings markets, Rhodia offers tailor-made solutions combining original molecules and technologies to respond to customers' needs. Rhodia subscribes to the principles of Sustainable Development communicating its commitments and performance openly with stakeholders. Rhodia generated net sales of $6.9 billion (5.4 billion euros) in 2003 and employs 23,000 people worldwide. Rhodia is listed on the Paris and New York stock exchanges.