Industry Issues: Legislations divide hardware - the effects of regional specifications on future hardware design, base stock choice and additive technology
Since its launch in 1999, Insight has been commenting on the aggressive timetable for the introduction of API PC-9 / CI-4 and its associated implications for the industry. We now find that PC-10 is looming on the horizon and, combined with upcoming European ACEA specification changes, and potential introduction of global specifications, this presents a new set of challenges for lubricant manufacturers, additive companies and design engineers. It appears that collaboration of all these stakeholders will be essential to find the best way forward in the constructive resolution of future issues. Insight takes a look at how these varied requirements will impact base stock choice, additive technology and engine design.

Industry issues: Cleaner by design - the personal views of Dr Gerhard Lepperhoff of FEV Motorentechnik
Does the internal combustion engine have the potential to meet future emissions legislation targets, production cost requirements, and consumer demands? This question was put to Dr Gerhard Lepperhoff, Head of Research for the German engineering and services company FEV at a recent Infineum International knowledge transfer forum. This feature looks at how the internal combustion engine, despite all its shortcomings, has the potential to meet the targets of reduced emissions and fuel consumption, lowered production costs and improved driveability. But, not by clever engineering alone, Dr Lepperhoff believes there is a need for better integration between the design of the lubricant and the design of the engine.

Industry issues: Meeting the Challenges - North American Infineum Trends 2003
Following the theme of 'challenges', this year's North American Infineum Trends 2003 presentations 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, including new vehicle sales, diesel engine market penetration, fuel quality and lubricant matters.

Industry issues: Building the Future - exploring the new Repsol YPF R&D facility near Madrid
When the new €174 million, Repsol YPF Research and Development Centre opened in Móstoles near Madrid, at the end of 2002, it realised plans that had been some ten years in the making. Insight Editor Rose Gill went to meet Repsol YPF's Director of Technology, Luis Cabra at the new Centre to find out more about the rationale behind this investment and the R&D strategies that the Centre will enable him to fulfil.

Industry issues: Fast Forward - the challenges ILSAC GF-4 brings to the fast lube industry
The multi billion dollar US fast lube industry, carries out some 125 million engine oil changes and consumes more than 140 million gallons of oil each year (about 50% of the entire 'Do It For Me' segment). One of the key issues at the forefront of debate in recent years, has been that of back serviceability. First there were concerns over the backward compatibility of SAE 5W-20 oils needed for ILSAC GF-3, and now they predict similar issues over ILSAC GF-4 oils. Steve Christie, Executive Director of The Automotive Oil Change Association, which represents the interests of this major oil consuming industry on both government and lubricant industry issues, shares his views on the impact that new emissions legislation will have on the 1200 members he represents and on the lubricants industry as a whole.

Face to face: John Shipinski - on his past, present and future
On April 30th this year, John Shipinski retired from the automotive industry. He stepped down as Chairman of the ASTM Test Monitoring Board; his voting position in the ASTM Subcommittee for Automotive Lubricants - DO.2.B; and all other ASTM and SAE functions. After 14 years with Toyota and active industry participation, Larry Smith, Industry Liaison Infineum USA LP, talks to him about his career and what he sees ahead for the industry.

Industry issues: Gas Engine Oils - a question of balance
The use of Gas Engines for power generation has become more widespread in recent years. And, with estimates that up to 30% of worldwide electricity demand will be generated from gas by 2020, this trend seems set to continue. Their growing use has accelerated both commercial and technical demands on gas engine lubricants, and encouraged engine operators to increasingly demand performance expectations beyond the minimum required by the manufacturers. These factors have pushed traditional Gas Engine Oil formulations to their limit, and have highlighted the performance limitations of traditional additive solutions. Insight looks at how a careful re-balancing of advanced additive and base oil systems is set to deliver improved performance over traditional lubricants, to meet the challenges of current and future gas engine design.