National Press Release

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- LyondellBasell Industries was the only plastics raw material supplier to receive the coveted Toyota Certificate of Recognition for Quality for 2007. The company was honored for outstanding achievements in product quality and supply consistency that it provided to Toyota facilities located in Europe.

"We are very proud that one of the world's largest automotive companies such as Toyota truly values our capabilities," said Christoph Sondern, Vice President of LyondellBasell's Automotive Business in Europe. "In order to continue maintaining high levels of product quality and consistency, we have established a Japanese Global Automotive Team dedicated exclusively to addressing the requirements of the automotive industry in Japan."

LyondellBasell supplies engineering Hostacom and Hifax polyolefin compounds for a variety of Toyota interior and exterior applications. The company's Hifax resins demonstrate improved processability and higher stiffness compared to traditional materials for bumpers on the Avensis and Yaris models. Toyota's Auris model features instrument panels produced using LyondellBasell's Hostacom resins, which provide benefits such as dimensional stability, heat resistance, weight reduction and reduced processing times.

Global material consistency

Most of the polypropylene (PP) compounds produced for Toyota are exclusively sourced from LyondellBasell's plant in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, and supplied to Toyota facilities in France, the UK and Turkey. "With PP compounding production facilities located in the major regions of the world, we can provide original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with the material consistency and quality they demand, regardless of where their operations are located or where the materials are specified," said Sondern.

Before a LyondellBasell material is approved for use in a Toyota model, it undergoes rigorous testing. "Each batch is tested by LyondellBasell experts, then checked and pre-approved by Toyota quality control before being dispatched to a Toyota facility," explained Paul Ashurst, LyondellBasell's Customer Program Manager for Toyota in Europe.

LyondellBasell Industries is one of the world's largest polymers, petrochemicals and fuels companies. We are the global leader in polyolefins technology, production and marketing; a pioneer in propylene oxide and derivatives; and a significant producer of fuels and refined products, including bio-fuels. Through research and development, LyondellBasell develops innovative materials and technologies that deliver exceptional customer value and products that improve quality of life for people around the world. Headquartered in The Netherlands, LyondellBasell (http://www.lyondellbasell.com) is privately owned by Access Industries.

SOURCE LyondellBasell Industries