Groundbreaking Partnership Aims to Revolutionize Air Quality with Ozone-Destroying Radiators

Strategic Insights -

Ford Motor Company and Engelhard Corporation have launched an international test of ozone-destroying radiators developed by Engelhard in a fleet of Ford's "world cars." The project aims to develop a smog-eating air filtration system that enables vehicles to actively fight pollution as they drive along. The two companies will work together for nine months to optimize the catalytic coating's durability and its effect on radiator performance, as well as the technology's manufacturability and cost. The results of the research will be shared with other car makers, industrial companies, regulators, and the public.

Key Takeaways:

  • The international test of ozone-destroying radiators will involve a fleet of Ford's "world cars" and will be conducted in nine countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, and the U.S.
  • Ford and Engelhard will work together exclusively for nine months to develop an integrated automotive system utilizing Engelhard's PremAir(TM) catalyst systems, which can destroy up to 90% of ozone in ambient air.
  • The technology has the potential to be implemented in cars of all makes and models worldwide and can be used for stationary applications as well.
  • The testing program will include optimizing the catalytic coating's durability and its effect on radiator performance, as well as the technology's manufacturability and cost.
  • Ford's global reach gives the companies the opportunity to evaluate the technology in key markets, where smog is not a problem unique to any one country.
  • Orin Smith, Engelhard chairman and chief executive officer, stated that "our goal is to have the PremAir(TM) catalyst systems on cars of all makes and models worldwide."

Statistics:

  • 90%: The percentage of ozone in ambient air that the PremAir(TM) catalyst systems can destroy per contact.
  • 4: The number of Ford Contours and Mercury Mystiques already coated with Engelhard's smog-scavenging catalysts and installed in testing vehicles.
  • 30: The number of vehicles that will be involved in the evaluation effort over the course of the nine-month research program.
  • Up to 9: The number of countries where the testing program will be conducted.
  • Up to 90%: The potential total ozone reduction in Los Angeles, according to atmospheric modeling commissioned by Engelhard.

Sources:

  • ORAMED Smith, Engelhard chairman and chief executive officer, said, "our goal is to have the PremAir(TM) catalyst systems on cars of all makes and models worldwide." June 26 /PRNewswire/
  • Lou Ross, Ford vice chairman and chief technical officer, said, "the testing we're announcing today is the start of a very aggressive R&D program." June 26 /PRNewswire/
  • Pam Kueber of Ford, 313-337-2456; or Denise Lenci of Engelhard, 908-205-6246 (F EC) CO: Ford Motor Company; Engelhard Corporation ST: Michigan, New Jersey, California IN: AUT ENV SU: KA -- DEMO01 -- 8984 06/26/95 06:16 EDT