Fuels & Lubes International 1999 – Issue #12

OEM News
Honda mulls wider use of fuel injection systems
Nissan launches Hypermini electric car
Volkswagen to double investment in China
Honda joins fuel cell initiative
Maruti equips models with fuel injection systems
GM, Isuzu to develop multi-purpose Asian car
Ford undergoes major restructuring
Honda develops lead-free fuel tank for local models

Following the creation of ExxonMobil Corp. BP Amoco, Mobil dissolve European joint venture
Immediately following the creation of ExxonMobil Corp., the new company which emerged from the US$82.5 billion takeover of Mobil Corp. by Exxon Corp., announced that it had agreed with BP Amoco plc on the principles under which they will dissolve the BP-Mobil European fuels and lubricants joint venture.

Raw material costs drive up additive prices
By Vicky Villena – Denton
SINGAPORE — After an unsuccessful attempt to raise additive prices late last year by the Lubrizol Corp., Lubrizol and Oronite, a division of Chevron Chem

In the interest of science or commerce?
By Vicky Villena – Denton
Over the years, I have observed many situations where the interest of science is at odds with those of commerce. In past cases, science ended up taking the back seat. This case may be no different.

ILSAC GF-3 goes to ballot
RENO, Nevada — Ford Motor Co. set the tone at the ASTM Subcommittee B (lubricants) meeting here this month. Ford’s Pete Misangyi noted that it’s a done deal, so to speak, a fait accompli. Ford has received the green light from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use SAE 5W-20 oils for its 2001 model cars. Production of these vehicles will start by year-end, for introduction in late 2000. The oils that were used in the EPA certification meet the proposed ILSAC GF-3 specification.

Lubricity requirement mandated by diesel FIE manufacturers
RENO, Nevada — Diesel fuel injection equipment (FIE) manufacturers Robert Bosch GmBH, Stanadyne Automotive Corp. and Lucas Diesel Systems have issued a common position statement that mandates a lubricity requirement for diesel fuels for use in their equipment, it was heard at the ASTM meeting here this month.

Firm claims it now shares no. 1 spot in the region Oronite’s position in Asia boosted by Singapore plant
By Vicky Villena – Denton
SINGAPORE — Almost a year into its Jurong plant’s commercial operation, Oronite’s new Regional Manager for Asia Pacific Bruce Anderson says the plant is now supplying between 7,000 and 8,000 tons of additives a month.

Fuel/additive effects on combustion chamber deposits
By Ronald Tharby
Base fuel related properties show extremely weak correlations with base fuel combustion chamber deposit (CCD) forming tendencies, according to extensive tests from four separate programs using a wide variety of commercial and test fuels carried out by Shell in the U.S. (now Equilon). Results of the study were reported in SAE Paper 1999-01-3582 by Woody Woodyard and Rob Lee. These properties include aromatics content, T95 distilled point, total sulfur content, polynuclear aromatics, unwashed gum and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) residue.

IVD detergent’s effect on combustion chamber deposits
By Rick Alberto
Do intake valve detergents contribute to combustion chamber deposits after 10,000 miles? Intake valve deposits are associated with increase in exhaust emissions and driveability debits in some vehicles.