Infineum Trends 2002 have been presented at key venues across the globe over the past three months. Following the theme of 'change', this year's events have taken a look at some of the most important trends and drivers influencing today's industry, as well as the lessons to be learned from past experience. Insight summarises highlights of the presentations, covering all areas of the industry including business consolidations, new vehicle sales, fuel and lubricant matters, alternative fuels and automotive technologies and transmission developments.

Industry issues: Gearing up for increased comfort and better fuel economy - are Automated Manual Transmissions the answer to future needs?

The next generation of Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs) are seen as real challengers to conventional automatic transmissions, particularly in Europe, but what are they? Why is there so much interest in these transmission systems? How are the technical challenges being met and will new, dedicated lubricants be required? Volker Kropp of Infineum Industry Liaison takes a look at AMTs and their potential.

Face to face: Bernd Matthes on dual clutch transmission technology

Despite the obvious attractions of the comfort and convenience offered by automatic transmissions, manual systems continue to dominate the European market. Automatics have made inroads into the top end of the market, but the majority of European consumers still prefer the responsiveness and fuel efficiency offered by a manual. Vehicle and component manufacturers in Europe are leading initiatives to explore new technologies that will satisfy consumers, without compromising the environment or adding to costs. Volker Kropp of Infineum Industry Liaison talks to Dr Bernd Matthes of BorgWarner Transmission Systems, to find out more about one possible solution, dual clutch transmission systems.

Industry issues: Protecting the environment

Diesel fuel lubricity has become of increasing concern to manufacturers of both diesel engines and fuel injection equipment since the introduction of low sulphur diesel in the 1990s. Most typical diesel fuel injection equipment relies on the lubricating qualities of the fuel to prevent accelerated wear of critical components. However, as the sulphur content of diesel fuel is reduced to meet environmental legislation, the inherent lubricity of the fuel is typically also reduced. Unless action is taken to maintain lubricity levels, the resulting wear can result in driveability problems, such as increased idling speed and higher emission levels. Consequently, many parts of the world and individual organisations have introduced lubricity specifications, recommendations or guidelines. Insight looks at the current situation, tabulating data for areas currently using low sulphur fuel or planning its introduction.

Industry issues: Keeping the customer satisfied - the continued development of 'obsolete' lubricant grades

Everybody knows that the lubricants industry is putting a lot of effort into next generation, high performance products. The additives industry as a whole is investing considerable time and money to ensure that products are available that meet, for example, GF-4 and the latest factory fill specifications. What is probably less well known, however, is that a surprisingly large amount of business remains in products that the OEMs and industry bodies today would regard as effectively obsolete. Insight examines this important part of the business, and looks at how additive companies work to meet product demand.