Producers undaunted by delay and finance challenges to bring new products to market.
As well as the delay in US ILSAC and European ACEA sequences, lubes, additive and base oil producers also face the challenge of finding substantial investment to meet the trend towards lower-viscosity engine oils. However, undaunted by these issues, they continue to announce a raft of new products.
Amongst the finished products set for market, Lubrizol is about to release its new PV1510 engine oil additive technology. With seven new tests to pass to meet the ILSAC GF-6 specification, the company is hoping the product will be available before the first licensing, expected on 1st May 2020. French major Total has also revealed expansion to its new QUATZ product line with its 9000 Future XT 0W-16 lubricant to the US market. As part of the launch announcement, a Total spokesman stated that the new addition "positions Total to be ready when the new ILSAC GF-6B licensing process begins".
Speciality chemicals company LANXESS is also introducing new technology in the form of an organic lubricant additive for passenger car and high-performance engine oils. Additin RC 3502 has been specifically developed to reduce friction and deliver sustained performance and anti-wear protection, according to the company.
Meanwhile, Chinese oil giant Sinopec has launched its lubricant brand in Bangladesh with Bangladeshi Minister of Industries, Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, suggesting a welcome next step would be for the company to establish a lubricant blending plant in the country.