The grease and lubes sectors are working hard to stay ahead of the development curve as new vehicle technologies.
The US-based National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) has teamed-up with the Center for Quality Assurance (CQA) to update its grease specifications in line with requirements for new technologies and applications. The volunteer-run NGLI working groups will work with the CQA to interview and survey Institute members in an effort to define new grease specifications.
Currently, the NLGI has a Certification Mark programme - established in 1989 - which includes the GC-LB Performance Classification originally developed for automotive chassis and wheel bearing specification, but now applied more generally. According to the Institute: " The initial focus will be on updated specifications for a premium grease that could be used in a variety of bearings and applications which require similar lubricating properties. Additional specifications will be defined for high load, water resistance, corrosion resistance and long life applications. Future specification work may include grease for gear boxes, electric motors and other applications ".
Meanwhile, Shell is turning its attention to heavy-duty fleet owners as it reports on the future of fleet transformation and associated maintenance. The Shell report - European heavy-duty fleet and intelligent maintenance: Delivering a Competitive Edge - focuses on key issues facing fleet owners such as emissions legislation and the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles. It also highlights the way emerging technologies and premium lubricants can be integrated into existing fleet management budgets and practices to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
According to Shell: " Maintenance practices will play an important part in tomorrow’s fleet, with research finding that 93% of fleet managers recognise that new technologies will impact their choice of lubrication. Through pairing new maintenance regimes with modern fleet management technology, such as lubrication tracking consoles it was found that drivers could cut fuel expenses by up to 25% and increase productivity by 15%."