A Hostacom thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) from Basell used in the instrument panel substrate of the 2005 Ford Freestyle is delivering improved performance and cost savings compared to materials previously used by instrument panel suppliers.

According to Steve Dwyer, senior vice president of Basell Advanced Polyolefins, the Basell product -- Hostacom XFBR712A -- provides the performance of an engineering plastic and the processability of a polyolefin for painted instrument panels.  “Traditionally, painted instrument panels have been produced using PC/ABS materials,” said Dwyer. “Those materials create processing challenges and are not as cost competitive.”

Hostacom XFBR712A offers excellent chemical resistance, buzz and squeak performance and easy weldability; the latter enables a reduction in part complexity while increasing overall stiffness.

The substrate for the Ford Freestyle is injection molded and painted by Visteon Corporation in Shelby Township, Michigan and assembled and installed at a Visteon facility in Chicago.

Basell also offers molded-in-color Hostacom polyolefin grades that are used in instrument panels.

Basell is the world's largest producer of polypropylene and advanced polyolefin products, a leading supplier of polyethylene and catalysts, and a global leader in the development and licensing of polypropylene and polyethylene processes. Basell, together with its joint ventures, has manufacturing facilities around the world and sells products in more than 120 countries. Additional information about Basell is available at www.basell.com.

For additional information, contact Michelle Harrell, Basell Corporate Communications, at
+1 302 438 6574, +1 410 996 1366 or michelle.harrell@basell.com