Ford, Partner Testing ‘Smog-Eating’ Radiators

PLYMOUTH, Mich. — Ford Motor Co. and Engelhard Corp., a specialist in pollution-control devices, said Monday that they are launching an international test of car radiators that can destroy ground-level ozone, a main component of smog.

The firms said they will work together for nine months to develop an integrated automotive system using Engelhard’s PremAir catalyst systems to reduce air pollution.

Engelhard’s initial research indicates that the new technology has the potential to turn car radiators into smog-eating air-filtration systems, the companies said.

Lou Ross, a Ford vice chairman and chief technical officer, said more than 30 vehicles will be involved in an evaluation effort in several countries, including Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan and the United States.

The technology involves placing a catalytic coating on a vehicle’s radiator, and possibly on its air-conditioning condenser, Ford said. As air passes over the coating, the catalysts convert ozone into oxygen. Ozone, a form of oxygen, has a pungent, irritating odor. It is sometimes used commercially as a bleaching agent.

Engelhard’s stock closed up 37.5 cents at $42.625 on Monday on the New York Stock Exchange. Ford slipped 12.5 cents to $30.375.