Audi has formed a strategic collaboration in India with BASF, signing an agreement with BASF approving the eco-friendly waterborne premium refinish paint system Glasurit as its authorized refinish for usage by the company’s dealership network. Audi is the first car manufacturer in India to work with BASF on this product. The BASF product Glasurit 90 Line Innovation provides outstanding finish quality while cutting down solvent emission by 90% and also saving cost of waste disposal by 95%.

“We have been working with BASF worldwide and I am sure we will take the partnership to new heights by working together in India,” said Benoit Tiers, managing director, Audi India said. “Environmental issues are very important in this country and we are taking a big step in this direction with combining the highest quality in after sales service with eco-friendly solutions for our luxury cars.”

Along with the signing of the contract, BASF also announced the launch of Glasurit 90 Line Innovation eco-friendly waterborne refinish system, the first waterborne refinish system to be introduced in India.

“It is BASF’s continuous endeavour to provide hi-tech, innovative products that help our customers be more successful in the market place,” added Prasad Chandran, chairman BASF Group in India and head South Asia. “As a partner of choice, our team is looking forward to extending our best-in-class services to Audi in India.”

“We are very proud to be supplying our Glasurit products, particularly the 90 Line to Audi in India,” said Ramkumar Dhruva, chief executive, BASF Coatings India. “I believe that the excellent finish and durability delivered by Glasurit will maintain customer satisfaction at a high level at bodyshops. With the official approval of Glasurit, we will be able to provide tangible value supporting the Audi’s aftersales service.”

The agreement further bolsters the existing global relationship of Vorsprung durch Technik by Audi and the technology leadership of BASF in waterborne refinish paint.