Southfield, MI (4/15/98) -- As part of the ongoing expansion of its integrated color tools system, BASF Corporation is now offering the advanced, innovative portable SmartScan ^TM color spectrophotometer to its body shop and jobber customers.

BASF SmartScan uses a superior four-angle design; many portable spectro-photometers currently available measure color values from only three angles. The four-angle configuration achieves a much higher color evaluation accuracy rate by providing more information on which to base the measurement. BASF chemists, color technicians and system engineers spent more than two years developing the software to support the four-angle approach.

The SmartScan unit can measure two-stage and three-stage metallic colors, as well as solid colors. In addition, when linked with BASF SmartTrak^TM software, the device can be used to match custom or fleet colors, even when the vehicle´s color code is unknown.

SmartScan software has been integrated into BASF´s SmartTrak^TM electronic management system and the unit and its software are fully compatible with all BASF Glasurit^® brand and R-M^® brand refinishing systems.

SmartScan is simple to use, designed for real-world durability, and is easily stored or transported in its own hard-sided carrying case.