BASF India : The relationship to the digital world shapes BASF’s 2017/18 Automotive Color Trend predictions

• Collection entitled Translucid is determined by the beauty of the analog body and fluid grids
• Automotive color palettes are guided by high chromatic and interference effects
• Pearl White, with quality and intense colors, reveals energetic creativity of an unbound Asia

Shanghai, China - June 14, 2017 - A desire for more simplicity and transparency in a digital world inspired the overarching theme of BASF's Automotive Color Trends for 2017/18 - Translucid.

The designers of BASF's Coatings division translated the question of individual data control, as well as the need for an extensive gathering of information for technical and social possibilities into a collection of 65 new automotive colors.

Digital Shifts - Intense blues and new light colors
In the digital world, the beauty of the body and other analog objects gain more attention with an increasing number of people looking to hide from data collectors and surveillance. This trend affects the automotive color palettes. Warm, beige colors deal with aspects of the skin, while dark and light blues express digitalization of the human body.

Increasing connection - Pastel and chromatic colors
In addition, data exchanged without the confines of time and space create fluid boundaries. Cars are developing from vehicles into highly complex products that communicate intensively with drivers and the environment. The intricacy of our connection to objects is reflected in dimensional sparkle and a mixture of crisp and clear effects. Pastel and chromatic colors and intense blues represent the image of new technologies and emphasize the uniqueness of the digital age.

In general, the relationship of fascination and fear as seen in the reflection in our digital mirror oscillates between dark and medium grays.

Color expertise of the Coatings division
The designers of BASF's Coatings division in China, Japan, the United States and Germany develop up-and-coming colors for the automotive industry every year conducting extensive research and in-depth analysis. They uncover global trends and cultural shifts that will influence vehicle color choices three to five years from now. In addition to identifying global trends, the regional design teams find unique themes influenced by local circumstances and conditions in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), North America and Asia Pacific.

Asia Pacific - Back to culture
Products with a unique Asian style are taking on a prominent role in today's markets. These new Asian styles reflects the uncompromising spirit of a new generation. This is expressed in a variety of choices, such as pearl white: iconic colors standing for the region's unique spirit.

In an environment of connectivity and constant high pressure to meet expectations for education and achievement, Asia's younger generation is striving to become unbound. The millennial generation seeks unconventional options for advancement, to challenge stereotypes and to attract attention with self-confident coolness.

Asian societies are revealing completely new facets of freedom. Free will is explicitly expressed with the mantra 'I'm taking my future into my own hands.' Diverse groups, which have been demanding public attention, are becoming more self-assured and active.

A deep saturated red with brilliant glass flakes underscores the expressive spirit of the millennial generation in a smart, sophisticated style.

EMEA - Back to the future
Up-and-coming colors in EMEA are off-the-grid. A gold effect color refers to a luxury-oriented product of the Arab world, while a warm brick-like color with a super-smooth effect is an upgrade for old times. People in EMEA are looking for the periphery of a global lifestyle and customized product landscapes. They want colors outside of the regular standard automotive palette - like a yellowish green with a mat clearcoat - to express individuality. The roads of Europe are going to be more vivid.

North America - Back to nature
Technology's encroachment on our daily lives - as well as the desire to break away and reconnect to a more natural world, the community and our own body - was explored as a trend contributing to BASF's North America color predictions. The region's key color is Undercurrent Blue, a very dark navy blue color with a silky texture that exudes a sense of mystery and celebration of self. This color leverages simple, in-use pigmentation technology, yet offers a sophisticated color position.

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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, as well as 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 2016, the Coatings division achieved global sales of about €3.2 billion.

In 2016, BASF acquired Chemetall, a leading global supplier of applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a wide range of industries and end markets. With this expansion in portfolio, BASF becomes a more complete solution provider for coatings.

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 114,000 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 about €58 billion in 2016. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.