MOSCOW and ST. LOUIS, May 30, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Solutia Inc. (OTCBB:SOLUQ) today announced that its CPFilms(r) business has been chosen by Ford Motor Company, ZAO to supply all Ford dealers in Russia with LLumar(r), a solar control and privacy window film. This is the first business project involving automotive manufacturers and window film suppliers in Russia.
CPFilms will provide training to Ford service staff and technicians to install LLumar(r) kits in Ford's most popular models: the Focus II, Fusion, Fiesta and Mondeo. Training for installers of 109 dealerships begins this month in Moscow and Novosibirsk. It will be done in accordance with Ford's training standards at its Russian locations.
"CPFilms is proud to be a partner with Ford Motor Company, ZAO," says Kent Davies, president of Solutia's CPFilms business. "We look forward to working with the Ford ZAO team to provide this aftermarket upgrade at its showrooms and service facilities."
Denis Jarov, Ford Motor Company, ZAO's marketing manager for Service & Parts, adds, "All Ford Motor Company, ZAO dealers will be trained and certified to install LLumar(r), to assure deep knowledge of product and provide proper and quality installation." Jarov estimates as many as 30,000 LLumar(r) installation kits will be ordered the first year.
"LLumar(r) is known worldwide for its exacting quality standards," says Alexander Proskuryakov, CPFilms' sales manager for Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). "It's an honor for us to partner with Ford Motor Company, ZAO as this global market leader provides its customers with automotive excellence as well as the superior protection of LLumar(r) film."
Proskuryakov says the use of automotive window film is a growing trend in Russia, as consumers see that it can enhance the appearance, performance, safety and security of their vehicles. The Ford dealerships will offer five types of LLumar(r) window film: three that provide solar protection and two that provide security as well as solar control.
LLumar(r) protects against solar radiation, using a patented technology to block 99 percent of UV rays and reject up to 79 percent of incoming solar energy. Traditional vehicle windows do not block most UV rays of the type believed to be most responsible for skin cancers.
LLumar(r) also hinders forceful break-in attempts by smash-and-grab thieves and delivers enhanced safety by holding shattered glass in place in the event of a side-impact collision.
CPFilms is the world's largest producer of window films, most of which are sold under the LLumar(r) professional brand name. The company's films, which are professionally installed and warranted by the manufacturer, are available from a global network of LLumar(r) dealers. For more information, go to www.llumar.com.
NOTE TO EDITORS: LLumar(r) is a registered trademark of Solutia Inc.
Corporate Profile
CPFilms Inc., makers of LLumar(r) films, manufactures and processes more than 100 types of film. LLumar films are designed to meet international standards, come with a factory-backed warranty, and are professionally installed. For governments, multi-national companies, and organizations having facilities around the world, LLumar provides the perfect solution for up-grading current glazing systems. Through our global network of factory trained and authorized dealers, each vehicle or facility, regardless of location, receives the same high-quality film and same expert installation services. For more information on LLumar products, log on to www.llumar.com.
Solutia (http://www.Solutia.com) uses world-class skills in applied chemistry to create value-added solutions for customers, whose products improve the lives of consumers every day. Solutia is a world leader in performance films for laminated safety glass and after-market applications; specialties such as water treatment chemicals, heat transfer fluids and aviation hydraulic fluid; and an integrated family of nylon products including high-performance polymers and fibers. Solutia... Solutions for a Better Life.
The Solutia Inc. logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2620
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "intends," "plans," "estimates" or "anticipates," or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. These statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about the industries in which Solutia operates. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or achievements to be materially different from the future results or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Solutia's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, under "Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements," Solutia's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and in filings with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in connection with the Chapter 11 case of Solutia Inc. and 14 of its U.S. subsidiaries. These reports can be accessed through the "Investors" section of Solutia's website at www.solutia.com. The bankruptcy court filings can be accessed by visiting www.trumbullgroup.com. Solutia disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in response to new information, unforeseen events, changed circumstances or any other occurrence.