Transmission fluid overload - next generation multi-vehicle technology provides a solution
North American service fill automatic transmission fluid (ATF) performance requirements have changed substantially. Whereas an ATF with basic DEXRON®-III / MERCON® performance has been used as service fill for product in most domestic and import transmissions, this ATF only meets the requirements of about one third of the transmissions currently being installed. This shift in service fill ATF performance requirement is primarily due to the increased use of new fuel efficient automatic transmission designs in vehicles being sold in North America. Insight takes a look at the changing face of the North American ATF market.

Low growth for lubricants
There has been much talk about potential explosive growth in the Chinese lubricant market within the industry for some time. This led many industry players to look at where to invest in capacity to keep up with this increased demand. Infineum decided to develop a new forecasting model to gain a clearer understanding of how demand was changing across the globe. Insight examines the findings of Infineum’s new market model which provides an interactive data analysis for forecasting lubricant and additive demand.

Asia Pacific Biodiesels - A market in its infancy
The use of biodiesel, like fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) is becoming more and more common in Asia Pacific (AP) with many major cities already offering biodiesel blends at selected service stations, albeit on a small scale. Unlike Europe, the development of biodiesels in AP is at the infancy stage and whilst many governments are making their use mandatory only the Australian government has so far announced any incentives for its introduction. Insight takes a look across the region at this developing market.

The impacts of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme
The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS) came into effect at the start of 2005 and represents the largest company level, multi-country, multi-sector emissions trading programme in the world. Under the scheme, CO₂ emissions levels in five industry sectors in the EU are now regulated, marking the start of a carbon-constrained economy in Europe. It also creates the first truly international market in greenhouse gas emission reductions. The scheme affects more than 12,000 installations across the EU and accounts for close to 50% of Europe’s emissions of CO₂. The fuels, lubricants and additives industries cannot escape the impact of the EU-ETS - either indirectly through their utilities, raw materials and products, or directly through capping of emissions. Peter Blackman, Commercial Development Manager, Infineum UK, takes a closer look at this new programme.

Barry Cahill – on fuels evolution
Barry Cahill’s life-long fascination with the automobile, combined with his long career at PSA, his involvement in a number of European standardisation committees on diesel and gasoline, Chairmanship of a couple of biofuels committees, and as PSA’s representative on the ACEA fuels and lubricants committee, means he is well placed to give Insight readers a view on future fuels evolution.

The Rising Tide of Marine Fuel Additives
Additives have yet to find their way into more widespread use in the marine industry. The engine cleanliness, deposit control, increased power, fuel lubricity and other advantages imparted to automotive operation by the use of fuel additives could equally benefit marine engines. But, additive use in today’s marine fuels is limited, and the benefits that could be realised with more widespread application are missed. Insight examines how, with tightening environmental limits and changing fuel specifications, is could be the time for shipping operators to realise the benefits of marine fuel additives.