ExxonMobil Exxtral(TM) BMU133 Polypropylene Chosen for Renault Espace Bumper


HOUSTON -- June 19, 2006--Renault has selected ExxonMobil Exxtral(TM) BMU133 polypropylene for the front bumper fascia on its new Espace multipurpose vehicle, highlighting ExxonMobil Chemical's debut in this application segment and the appeal of its latest generation of specialty polypropylenes.

Chosen by Renault and equipment manufacturer Plastic Omnium to meet both technical and aesthetic requirements, filled Exxtral BMU133 offers good fluidity (MFR 15(a)) and injectability. This enables the pressure needed in the mold cavity to be reduced. Exxtral BMU133 also produces a smooth surface appearance that is free of "tiger stripes," making it ideal for painting.

"The new Espace's front bumper fascia perfectly illustrates the multiple properties and advantages offered by the latest generation of Exxtral polypropylenes," explains Thierry de Barneville, Automotive and Appliance European Manager, ExxonMobil Chemical Polypropylene Business. "The choice of Exxtral BMU133 by Renault is a noteworthy introduction into the European bumper fascia segment that also confirms the swift acceptance of this new range of products and strengthens our position as a key supplier to the automotive industry."

For its instrument-panel accessories, Renault selected Exxtral CMV205, a 20 percent mineral-filled polypropylene that offers a highly attractive surface finish and good dimensional stability throughout the life of the vehicle. Exxtral CMV205 also offers an excellent balance of stiffness and impact resistance.

(a) (Measures flow in grams per 10 minutes under a weight of 2.16 kg and at a temperature of 230 degrees Celsius according to ISO 1133)

For more information about Exxtral polypropylene grades, visit www.exxonmobilpp.com or call + 33 1 47 10 61 58.

About ExxonMobil Chemical

ExxonMobil Chemical is a global leader in technology, product quality and customer service with petrochemical manufacturing and/or marketing operations in more than 150 countries around the world. Its products include olefins, aromatics, fluids, synthetic rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene packaging films, plasticizers and synthetic lubricant basestocks.

To find out more about ExxonMobil Chemical's polypropylene business, visit www.exxonmobilpp.com. To find out more about ExxonMobil Chemical, visit www.exxonmobilchemical.com.

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