Kariya/Stuttgart, Germany—DENSO Corporation and Robert Bosch GmbH have agreed to set up a 50/50 joint venture in eastern Europe to develop and manufacture diesel particulate filters (DPF). The joint venture is planned for establishment in early 2007.

Starting in 2009, DENSO and Bosch plan to manufacture high-performance and cost-effective diesel particulate filters made of cordierite and market them separately. As a result of the Euro 5 emission standards for cars, DENSO and Bosch expect that particulate filters will become standard equipment for all new diesel-powered cars in Europe.

Compared to DPFs made of other materials, cordierite DPFs are light weight and provide a lower drop in exhaust gas pressure resulting in higher engine performance and efficient purification. DENSO has been producing and supplying cordierite DPFs since 2003.

This joint venture agreement is subject to approval by antitrust authorities.

Diesel particulate filters remove substances from exhaust gas that lead to air pollution, such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.