Finding another way - The challenges of producing winter grade ULSD in NA
Until 1 June 2006 North American on-road diesel fuels could contain up to 500 ppm sulphur, but from this date the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires 80% of on-road diesel production to be no more than 15 ppm sulphur at the refinery gate. The EPA will allow 22 ppm sulphur fuel to be sold as Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) until October 15 after which date true <15 ppm sulphur will be available at the retail pump. This step change in sulphur, combined with engine hardware improvements and the introduction of biodiesel, is presenting new challenges to terminal operators and fuel marketers. But add the production of winter grade ULSD into the equation, and you have a whole new ball game. Insight takes a look at some of the issues and available remedies surrounding the introduction of ULSD in North America.

Global issues - Infineum Trends 2006 presentations
Infineum Trends aims to deliver an up-to-date picture of trends and developments in the oil, automotive and additive industries. With significant challenges apparent for the global automotive, fuel, lubricant and additive industries this year’s presentation (which will be delivered at key venues in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific) has taken ‘Tough Times, Smart Solutions’ as its theme. Insight presents a brief overview of some of the highlights from the powertrain section.

Industry Views - at Infineum Trends 2006
One of the features that really enlivens the Infineum Trends presentations is the inclusion of brief sound bites from key industry figures on current hot topics. 23 industry experts from around the globe were interviewed for this year’s presentation and Insight presents a more detailed picture of some of their views. Bob Olree of General Motors Powertrain gives his views on the progress of GF-5, John Rosenbaum of Chevron Global Base Oils shares his thoughts on base stock trends and John Bennett from Ford Motor Company gives his opinion on Euro V requirements and future fuel challenges.

A step in the right direction - New JASO four-stroke motorcycle oil specification
Tightening emissions standards across the globe are accelerating the rate at which motorcycle OEMs are shifting from two-stroke to four-stroke engine technology. In response to this trend, the Japanese Standards Organisation (JASO) created its first four-stroke motorcycle oil standard in 1998. The first major revision to the JASO standard has just been finalized and is expected to be available by mid-2006. Insight examines the options that this new revision will bring to the lubricants market.

Latin America viewpoint
Trucks play a vital role in the economy of Latin America, carrying approximately 50% of the region’s freight. Mexico and Brazil, with 70% of vehicle population, are the biggest markets with 3.1 million trucks, 2.7 million of which are in Brazil. To better understand the issues and concerns of these truck users Infineum commissioned a market intelligence study in Brazil and Mexico to analyse information concerning the use and choice of both heavy-duty engine oils and transmission fluids and to gather data on truck use and maintenance. Insight uncovers some of the highlights of this interesting study.

Niche lubricants - Emerging North American passenger car oil markets
Growth in the North American lubricant market has generally been low to flat in recent years. However, some premium and niche passenger car motor oil products have been experiencing growth rates in double figures. Insight takes a closer look at fully synthetic, synthetic blend and high mileage oils - three approaches marketers are exploring in an effort to add and capture value.

GF-5 - Specification development status
The first ILSAC GF-4 licenses were issued almost two years ago, and yet we are only just over three years away from the originally proposed first intended use date for new products meeting GF-5. Thus, the pace of ILSAC GF-5 development activity is beginning to accelerate.