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This month's VFTB takes a US perspective on the global outlook and the implications for the lubes industry.

As the West looks East, China's oil majors look to the West in a drive for expansion and profitability. Meanwhile emissions remain high on the agenda of the auto and lubes industries.

The Russian vehicle parc is modernising rapidly and lubes producers are having to keep pace with high quality products. Russian producers will need to look at JVs if they are to avoid losing the lubes market to 'Western' produducers.

China's analysts are taking a long, comparative look at growth predictions against reality as China's economy starts to slow, the drive for quality lubes continues but domestic automakers fail to perform.

Chinese New Year sees massive migration; Sino-Russian relations are critical to China's oil supply and improved vehicle reliability means good news for lubes industry and

2011 proved an 'interesting' year. What will 2012 hold? The initial global signs are generally positive.

China's economic growth is a concern for the global economy, but lubricants could benefit from the Chinese drive for better emissions standards.

The Eurozone crisis continues to dominate global thinking, but some glimmers of hope remain in the lubricants sector and CARS 21 approves report.

China's plummeting PMI and the knock-on effects of Europe's economic woes mean a long haul for manufacturers and the energy sector.

The UEIL Conference highlights resilience in the lubricants industry and a need for continued focus in tough economic times.

The Chinese economy continues to grow, although tough decisions may be required in the manufacturing sector. VW is set to be come the top global automaker.

Have the latest PMIs created a fog of indecision amongst the world's legislators as they look for a way out further economic crisis? What next for the lubricants market?

Europe's financial woes have an impact on China and the country struggles to balance pollution measures against a booming car population.

The Tenth Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York's Twin Towers offers a chance to reflect on world progress in the lubes industry, technology and economics,

China's internal and external investment in the oil and automotive industries continues, despite a changing economic backdrop and safety issues.

Has the global economy reached a tipping point? Are we about to experience a 'double dip' recession or is it the Whiplash effect? Companies need to invest now to secure a long term future.

Environmental issues dominate this month's View from the Bridge - from Europe to the US and China, automotive to aviation.

China surpasses US oil consumption; the world reaches 'grid parity'; recession dogs world economies while the virtual world beckons for lubes marketeers.

The Japanese environmental disaster, combined with a slowing global economy and short-term auto production slowdown, could still benefit the lubes industry.

Political instability in North Africa and the Middle East puts oil dependency into sharp relief, while the ICIS Conference offers plenty of thoughts on other oil-related issues.

Political unrest in the Middle East and mixed signals from world economies cause uncertainty but oil producers show improved profits and REACh has an impact on documentation.

REACh has finally arrived with implications for documentation management across Europe.

As Germany continues to drive European growth, a report from RPS Energy poses some challenging questions about the role of lubes marketing and manufacturing.

German growth heartens Eurozone, while Asia continues to lead the world as US treads water.

The Deepwater Horizon tragedy continues to dominate the industry. But what are the long-term implications for the industry and society as a whole?

Torrey Canyon and ExxonValdez are names tattooed on the collective memories of both the oil industry and the general public as shipping-related disasters causing exceptional levels of pollution – and helped change cultures and attitudes.