Industry issues: Licensed to fill - The new General Motors’ DEXRON®-III specification
In June 2003 the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Committee of General Motors Corporation gave the first approval to a fluid meeting its revised specification for service fill ATFs. The DEXRON®-III specification, which has been used for the last ten years to determine the suitability of fluids for GM stepped gear automatic transmissions, has been upgraded to meet the requirements of today’s vehicles. Insight takes a look at the key changes to the specification and their implications for oil marketers.

Face to face: Jim Linden on his role in the new DEXRON^®-III specification
Jim Linden, General Motors Corporation Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Committee Chairman, talks to Larry Smith, Industry Liaison Infineum USA LP, about the history of ATF specifications and his role in the recent DEXRON®-III specification changes.

Industry issues: Low sulphur dilemma - International shipping and the new EU sulphur limits
Over the past year the European Commission has tabled proposals for tighter sulphur limits for marine engines, and in June 2003 these were approved, with some tightening, by the European Parliament. Insight looks at these new tiered limits, considers the impact of reduced sulphur fuels on marine engines, and examines how engine protection at different fuel sulphur levels can be maintained without having to change lubricant.

Industry issues: The low SAPS debate - the evolution of low sulphated ash, phosphorus, and sulphur lubricants
Since the 1970s, Industry stakeholders have recognised the potential for SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus and Sulphur) in finished oils to impact on the performance and durability of exhaust aftertreatment devices. However, there has always been a lack of clear data to quantify the extent of any effects on emissions and develop an appropriate linkage to engine oil specifications. Following an exhaustive literature review, Insight takes a look at 30 years of research and development into the issues surrounding low SAPS in gasoline vehicles.

Industry issues: Kurt Liedtke’s views on US dieselisation - diesels are ready, why aren’t we?
There are currently five generally agreed energy options to consider for automobiles; gasoline, diesel, fuel-cell, electric, and hybrid. However the only energy options that are viable for the majority of drivers in the US today are gasoline, diesel, and possibly hybrid. Kurt Liedtke, Chairman, President and CEO of Robert Bosch Corporation, shares his views on why he believes the diesel engine will be the way forward for future light-duty powertrains in the US.

Industry issues: A new approach to lacquer control
With the reduction of sulphur in marine diesel fuel, to meet environmental regulations, engines have become prone to liner lacquer, resulting in increased oil consumption and higher maintenance costs. Many attempts have been made to solve this issue. New lubricants, designed to prevent build up of lacquer on the liner surface have been introduced. In addition fuel additives that improve combustion, and so prevent build up of lacquer on the liner surface, are also marketed. Insight looks at how Infineum has used its expertise in both lubricant and fuel additive development to consider a new approach to beat liner lacquer.