Umicore to produce new catalysts for trucks
Gazeta Mercantil 04/27/2009
Umicore, manufacturer of technology for catalytic converters, is getting ready to enter the market of trucks and buses. With investments of R$ 10 million (US$ 4.55 million) the company installed in Brazil a new technology center for vehicle emissions in order to develop catalytic converters for commercial vehicles. "We are going to install a new laboratory in the plant of Americana (SP) in order to extend the application to diesel engines as well since they will have to comply with the Euro 5 law of emissions, which will go into force in the Country as of 2012", said Stephan Blumrich, director of the company in Brazil. In Europe the law is already in force since 2008.
The new technology laboratory of Brazil is the second of the Belgian group - the first is installed in Germany and the third in being built in Korea - and it is the only one with equipment capable of making tests in engines of up to 14 liters, which equip heavy trucks. "The qualification and the commitment of the Brazilian employees were factors that helped the Brazilian subsidiary to get the approval for the investments", said Blumrich. The catalytic converters produced by Umicore in Brazil already equip cars since 1992. With such product, which represents 1/3 of its activities in the Country, the company has 40% of the Brazilian market share - in Volkswagen, General Motors and Ford its share reaches 50%; in Fiat, 20%; and it is Toyota's exclusive supplier.