A new and improved fuel additive that helps to keep engines clean and enable a better driving experience was released by the German chemical industry leader BASF in Beijing.

BASF unveiled the next generation of KuaiLePao fuel additive bottles on Sept 18. Available for drivers at car body shops in China and at online stores, KuaiLePao comes with a new bottle design and helps reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.

KuaiLePao is one of the few BASF products that consumers can buy directly off the shelf.

"For 150 years, BASF has continuously pursued innovations that contribute to sustainability. KuaiLePao manifests exactly that spirit – a proprietary and effective product developed by BASF that improves fuel economy in cars for drivers," said Mr. BG Ooi, Vice President, Fuel and Lubricant Solutions Asia Pacific, BASF East Asia Regional Headquarters Ltd.

BASF has been promoting higher awareness and wider entry of fuel additives into the Chinese market, to help tackle deteriorating air quality resulting partially from vehicle exhaust emissions.

According to the latest findings from the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP), around 31 percent of the smog found in Beijing can be attributed to vehicle emissions. There were more than 5.3 million vehicles on the road in Beijing as of the end of 2014, around 3 million of which were passenger cars.

"It's internationally recognized that quality fuel, with the addition of fuel additives is essential for automotive engines to perform at their best and enjoy a longer lifespan. If individual drivers can choose to use fuel additives after filling the tank, they will help reduce emissions and as a result make a difference personally for a cleaner city," said Mr. YueXin, Director from Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences.

BASF has been cooperating with CRAES, the leading research institute affiliated to MEP, for many years in the area of efficacy assessment of additives in Chinese fuels.