A layered catalyst composite for controlling vehicular exhaust emissions is disclosed. The composite comprises a substrate such as cordierite, at least one bottom layer deposited on the substrate containing a precious metal component such as platinum and at least one NO_x storage component present in the amount of about 0.3 to about 1.5 g/in³, and at least one top layer deposited on the bottom layer containing a precious metal component such as platinum and at least one NO_x storage component present in the amount of about 0.0 to less than about 0.3 g/in³.