The Automotive Catalyst Division of Umicore, based at Hanau-Wolfgang, has developed a new catalyst technology for diesel particulate filters, which will improve the purification of diesel exhaust fumes.

The whole range of diesel engines - from those designed for cars to those used in commercial vehicles - will be able to make use of the technology.

The new system prevents the build-up of ash inside the catalyst, a problem that has afflicted most traditional catalysts.

Umicore claims its active regeneration campaign for catalytically activated diesel particulate filters, which was developed with DaimlerChrysler, guarantees filter regeneration without extra additives.

The new filters will at first be used in DaimlerChrysler's C-Class and E-Class models with four-cylinder diesel engines.

This will mark the first time that a DaimlerChrysler diesel vehicle will comply with 2005 EU IV legislation.