automotive industry
Strict emissions standards increase palladium consumption
Stricter emissions regs in China's auto industry is driving up the cost of Palladium.
Chinese carmakers plan major increases
Chinese automakers are aiming for increased profitability in 2012 despite a poor 2011.
Ferrari spins out on Great Wall, Netizens furious
A Chinese publicity stunt by the Italian car maker hits a wall of internet censure.
Audi looking for 1.5m unit target as BMW play catchup
Audi is looking to the China market to boost sales beyond 1.5m as BMW opens new dealerships to play catch-up.
People’s Car Project bears fruit
VW project gains massive online input from China's amateur innovators.
Porsche opens dealership in Inner Mongolia as A-M expands
More luxury car dealerships are springing up across China as Porsche and Aston Martin announce new locations
Foreign carmakers must invest in R&D, say execs
Overseas automakers must continue to innovate if they are going to stay ahead in the Chinese market
Honda predicts traffic jams
Honda develops traffic prevention technology for vehicles; saves time and fuel.
Audi buys Ducati
German car maker lands iconic Italian motorcycle brand
Catalyst market boost as global car sales head for 86m
The emissions catalyst market is set to benefit significantly as global passenger car sales continue to grow over the next five years say new reports.
Electric car sales surge as US tops green table
Sales of US and hybrid cars in the US hit record levels as the nation tops the clean energy spending table
Joint ventures make progress in China
Geely and Guangzhou look to JVs to boost business.
SAIC profits jump 67% and forecasts strong 2012
Chinese automaker SAIC sees 67% profit leap helped by VW joint venture and forecasts a good year to come.
Ford continues to build in China
New CNY 4.8bn plant planned for Hangzhou along with Chongquing expansion
China opens up to foreign car insurers
Foreign auto insurers are rushing to capitalise on China's relaxation of regulations.
BYD and Pang Da profits plunge
Chinese car makers see profits nosedive after sales drop and Saab fallout takes its toll.
Geely to focus on exports
Chinese automaker aiming to be the nation's largest vehicle exporter
Merc is latest to up lubes specs
Mercedes has revealed its latest engine oil specs for cars and trucks as auto makers set higher targets.
Road car takes to the air
Flying car could change the face of A-to-B motoring
Repsol helps UMW as Perodua signs Petronas
Malaysian distributor eyes significant sales revenue as Petronas links with country's automaker.
VW set record sales as Euro market slumps
Germany's VW continues its global rise, but ACEA's latest figures show a slump in total vehicle sales across Europe.
Jaguar Land Rover invests heavily in Chery JV
Iconic British brands to invest on hopes of government approval of joint deal.
Global automakers hopeful for Chinese JVs
Fiat-Chrysler and Volvo seek Chinese partners despite policy limitations
Chinese car sales may fall short in 2012
Growth predictions may prove optimistic for foreign and domestic car makers this year.
Chinese automakers perform poorly in 2011
Profit slumps blamed on weak domestic demand and market saturation
VW China may recall faulty gearboxes
VW may be forced to recall vehicles fitted with its DSG gearbox following public pressure
Ford reveals new EcoBoost lubes spec
Ford increased awareness of its new 'bespoke' lubes standard for its EcoBoost engine.
Chevron Oronite launches new additive
Oronite announces its new additive package for heavy-duty truck lubes.
More than 1 million 80+ drivers in the UK
There are more than one million drivers over the age of 80 in the UK, but they are still safer than the 'youngsters'
Volvo and Geely to establish joint venture
Volvo to increase vehicle production through new joint enterprise
Audi and Great Wall set sights high for 2012 sales
Two major suppliers to the Chinese vehicle market have set ambitious targets for the year.
Ford builds third China plant
US car giant set to increase Chinese production by a third.
Great Wall and Total sign co-op agreement
French lube producer signs a co-operation deal with China's largest SUV manufacturer.
China to promote EV sales
Electric vehicles set to overtake hybrids by 2:1 ratio
Renault and GM to step up production in central China
Two auto majors to use joint venture to expand Chinese-based manufacturing operations
Ten manufacturers to make 90% of China's vehicles
Only ten automakers are forecast to produce almost the entire output of China's vehicle production by 2015
China vehicle recall rules to become more stringent
New regulations make make recalls and suspension more common for vehicles in China
New CNG and bio-lubes come to market
Two new lubes ranges have been launched including a re-refined product for CNG fleets
January vehicle sales drop in China
A slowing economy and New Year celebrations have slowed the auto market in China.
Renault and Total stay partners
French lubes and auto producers seal an extended OEM partnership
Ice, rally, 4x4 - can't be a Ferrari?
A World Rally Champion takes the new Ferrari FF snow rallying
Ford sets tough green targets for manufacturing
Ford production plants will be subject to ambitious plans to reduce water and landfill.
Road train takes another step forward
Europe's safe road train project has moved closer to fruition with a multi-vehicle platoon.
New friction tech could make massive fuel savings
A new joint Finnish/US report predicts fuels consumption could be dramatically reduced within 10 years through new technologies.
China Auto Rental seeks US IPO
China's largest car rental company turns to North America to raise capital.
Continental and SK aim at EV market
German and Korean joint venture set to provide power to global electric vehicles.
Crisis? What crisis for Rolls?
Royce Royce hits record sales despite weakened economy.
China to limit foreign investment in auto sector
Overseas car makers are set to have their ambitions trimmed when it comes to investing in China's auto industry.
Automakers to increase 2012 sales
Domestic and overseas car makers aim to defy slowing China market in 2012
Aston Martin opens showroom in Shanghai
Luxury British automaker is latest to try tapping China's new wealth.
Training is order of the day in Nigeria and Abu Dhabi
Airline maintenance staff and auto technicians are the latest beneficiaries of training programmes by lubes producers.
VW sets tough environmental targets
Volkswagen is to set tough new environmental targets for its production plants
Daimler seeks Chinese suitor
Car maker Daimler is looking for a Chinese investor to boost market share in domestic sales.
China imposes US car duty
China is to impose anti-dumping tax on US-made vehicles.
Saab finally goes under
Swedish car brand finally declared bankrupt despite last-ditch efforts to save it.
VW to build two more plants in China
VW takes total Chinese assembly plants to 13 by 2013.
A Beatle and an Aston combine to make a fortune
An Aston Martin owned by a former Beatle has made thousands of pounds at auction.
Nissan Leaf takes COTY hat-trick
Japan is latest Car of the Year award for Nissan's all-electric road car.
BYD faces even more job cuts
Car and battery maker suffers as debts mount
Chinese vehicle exports to Russia increase
Russian sales help boost flagging Chinese automakers
Jianghua to Double Brazil Sales by 2015
Automaker to push for Brazilian market as domestic sales drop.
Overseas car makers' sales blossom in China
Audi and Toyota have both announced strong sales so far in 011.
Kia to build its third plant in China as Foton heads for India
South Korean carmaker to establish new factory in Jiangsu as truck manufacturer heads for India
Chinese cars decline in quality
JD Power reports increasing ownership problems despite improvements over previous years.
FTC gets both barrels after Magnuson-Moss request
US oil industry leaves legislator in no doubt over oil warranty issue.
GM puts Saab on the brink
Chinese government's deal approval seemed like salvation for Swedish car maker, but GM proves otherwise.
New Chevvy takes a dip
Chevrolet has decided its new Sonic/Aveo needs to take part in extreme sports including bungee-jumping into a pool.
VW already ahead of 2010 by Q3
VW has overtaken last year's earnings with a quarter of 2011 still to go.
Increased Euro costs of efficient cars unfounded
A new report shows new European cars are more economical and cheaper to buy.
View from the Bridge - China (Nov 2011)
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.
Government gets tough on auto subsidies
The Chinese government toughens auto subsidies to further reduce emissions.
China pressures foreign brands for EV technology
China is pushing major auto manufacturers to help provide technology for electric vehicles.
Mixed profits for China automakers
A mixed third quarter for two of China's largest car makers.
China Vehicle Sales Up in September
Pace accelerates on Chinese vehicle sales despite government restrictions.
Daimler Foton deal gains NDRC approval
Joint venture signed for heavy truck production.
American Associations change name
Two US trade bodies have announced name changes as their roles widen.
Axeon develops new car battery technology
Battery specialists claim a significant improvement in range for EVs.
New EV charging standards likely
European auto makers are seeking to unify EV charging standards.
The Jensen Interceptor is back.
Iconic car of the late 60's set to make return in modern style.
China auto exports threaten global automakers
World's major car makers fear China expansion could cause cheap dumping.
China now has 100 million cars
China now second largest car market as vehicle ownership soars
BYD Profit Falls 89%
Automaker BYD has suffered a serious drop in year-on-year profits with job loses resulting.
Lifan to Set Up $5.4m Export Centre
Lifan Automobile to build a new components export centre.
The Great License Plate Lottery
Beijing car owners face a lottery to register new vehicles.
Report reinforces lubes and wear link
A new report reinforces the link between high-grade lubes and vehicle engine wear
Regulators blame Toyota for defective parts
China's regulators have blamed TMC for defective Corolla parts
Nissan aims at China luxury market
Nissan is aiming to take on European manufacturers in China's luxury car market.
Western car giants step up China investment
VW and Daimler are set to invest billions of dollars in China operations.
Chinese car rentals hit top gear
The car rental market is flourishing and set to rise further by 2015 according to latest forecasts
Fridge-breathing dragon
A monster truck comes with special fridge-throwing weaponry.
Saab clings on
Saab continues to fight closure thanks to a further cash injection while UK arm stays 'unaffected'.
VW develops cylinder shut-off for TSI engines
VW has launched industry-leading TSI cylinder shut-off technology.
Skoda sets record but Bluebird fails
A Skoda has set a new land speed record for two litre cars, but the Bluebird Electric attempt fails.
Weird and wonderful up for sale
A series of auto auctions are set to put some of the car world's most weird and wonderful models under the hammer.
Tags: automotive industry, North America
Piston ring coating helps fuel reductions
An innovative piston ring coating could help fuel and emissions reductions for auto industry.
Chinese automotive growth cycle may restart in 2013
State researchers predict an upswing in China's car sales.
Nissan China announces RMB50 billion expansion plan
Nissan's Chinese division plans to almost double annual sales within the next five years.
US DOE offers millions in vehicle innovation grants
The US Department of Energy has announced a multi-million dollar grants package for advanced vehicle research.
US tightens CAFE standards
The US has tightened fuel economy standards for cars and light-trucks and set new targets for heavy vehicles.
New grease stops car squeaks
A new grease has been launched, specially designed for vehicle interiors.
Global industrial lubes on the up says Kline
Industrial and metalworking fluids are continuing their post-recession recovery, according to the latest Kline reports.
Korean students win Ferrari Design prize
A group of Korean students has won the Ferrari World Design Contest with a stunning new sports car design.
China Auto Sales Show Gradual Increase
China is showing an overall increase in sales, although some sectors are slow.
That's a Wrap for China!
Wrapping fashion catches on with Chinese car owners.
Suzuki opens workshop at top of the world
India's Maruti Suzuki has opened the world's highest altitude workshop.
Guiyang to restrict car sales
Guiyang is set to follow Beijing in restricting car sales in the city.
ACEA announces REACH AIG V3
ACEA has revealed Version 3 of the REACH Automotive Industry Guidelines
Market potential boosts foreign car makers
Automakers from Asia and Europe are spurred on by China's booming car market.
Lifan to set up auto plant in Brazil
Chongqing Lifan is to set up an auto production plant in Brazil.
Transport Ministry clamps down on overloading problem
Overloading of trucks is causing havoc on China's roads, but tougher penalties are looming.
View from the Bridge - Bulletin 126 (July 2011)
Environmental issues dominate this month's View from the Bridge - from Europe to the US and China, automotive to aviation.
E-pipe
The Jaguar E-Type's Anniversary was celebrated in spectacular style at Goodwood.
Mission accomplished for 'Mean Green'
Volvo's hybrid truck achieves record-breaking goals in Sweden.
Total renews Mazda link
Total will continue to supply OEM lubes to Mazda Europe.
China springs Stage 4 emissions date
July 1 has been announced as the mandatory date for all gasoline vehicles to meet China IV emissions standards
Beijing offers scrappage incentives as car sales set to rise
Beijing is set to introduce a vehicle scrappage scheme in an effort to reduce pollution as JD Power predicts boom in China car sales
South Korea pushes for China lubes market
South Korea's lubes makers are targeting new routes into the Chinese lubes market through the automotive industry.
Saab back in business thanks to Pang Da and Youngman
Saab returns to production as normal after two Chinese companies take a stake
ACEA calls for Japan Trade assessment
ACEA is calling for the EU to carefully analyse the outcome of the Japanese trade scoping.
Volvo brings F1 KERS to the streets
Volvo is adapting flywheel technology for road cars with help from the Swedish Government
Chrysler repays its debts
Chrysler repays its loans to Canada and the US ahead of schedule.
Ferrari reaches India and space!
Ferrari have a presence in India and the International Space Station.
Prista gets sociable with OATS app
Bulgaria's Prista Oil uses OATS' new social media application to reach its target market
Bentley sets China record as Geely and FAW push sales
Bentley has seen record sales in China as local manufacturers push to increase sales
Mini returns to rallying
Mini has returned to World Championship rallying after an absence of 40 years.
Saab finds another Chinese suitor
A third Chinese company has now stepped forward as a likely saviour of the Saab brand.
VW launch brings the house down.
Tower demolition used to demonstrate Amarok strength
A pile of guano!
New research dispels myth of car paint damage from bird droppings.
Lubes have increasing influence on OEMs says Shell
Auto manufacturers are increasingly turning to lubes R&D to help drive fuel efficiency according to Shell.
China lubes guide to change practice
A new commercial lubricants guide is set to raise standards of lubes use across the sector.
China plans fight against air pollution
China, Beijing and the automotive manufacturers lay out their plans for combating and controlling emissions.
Automakers suffer Japanese losses but Nissan Q1 profits up
The auto industry continues a slow recovery after massive production losses following the earthquake but Nissan still posts a profit.
Saab gets further Chinese boost
The Saab brand has received more finance from China, this time through Hawtai Motor Group.
BAIC eyes significant expansion
China's BAIC is looking to break into the top ranks of the auto manufacturers in the next five years.
Conference shows China auto strength
Major auto manufacturers and OEMs look ahead to a prosperous Chinese market at a Shanghai conference
An expensive night out
A son has written off his father's supercar in an accident that will cost him a lot of pocket money.
Closest ever World Rally result
Citroen were involved in the closest World Rally event ever recorded.
Chrysler teams up with Shell for dealer lubes
Chrysler is to use Shell lubes and Magneti Marelli parts in its Mopar dealerships including for competitors.
Indian lubes growth "not huge" predicts Castrol
Growth in the Indian lubes market will be driven by the automotive sector but won't be "huge" according to Castrol India's COO.
Local solution to Vietnam 'bike oil recycling
A Vietnamese scientist has found a local mineral solution for recycling motorcycle lubes
Maserati - Mumbia and Montante
Maserati is to open dealerships in India and launches a hand-built 'bike.
Eu Commission lays out 2050 transport 'road map'
The European Commission has published its White Paper on Tranport, setting goals for the EU to 2050.
View from the Bridge - Bulletin 123 (April 11)
The Japanese environmental disaster, combined with a slowing global economy and short-term auto production slowdown, could still benefit the lubes industry.
Valvoline launches re-cycled brand
Valvoline has launched a new brand of motor oil containing re-cycled lubes
Chevroclay is latest model
A survey on the most popular children's toys led Chevrolet to create a new model.
Creepy crawly Mazda attack
Mazda recalls Mazda6 models after spider attack.
Electric Rolls includes battery and gear innovations
An Electric Rolls Royce concept includes innovative battery and transmission technology.
McLaren unveils supercar
British sportscar manufacturer launches new MP4-12C, 330kph supercar
Alternative fuels could dominate by 2050
New European report says transport could be sustainable by 2050 from fossil fuel alternatives
Mobil Super premium lubes reach the US
ExxonMobil has launched its range of Mobil super lubes in the US.
Mazda icon breaks record
Mazda's MX-5 sportscar continues to break sales records as it passes the 900,000 mark.
Happy Birthday E-type!
Iconic Jaguar celebrates 50th Anniversary
Tags: And finally, automotive industry
Shell tests new engine and diesel formulae
Shell is testing new engine oil and nitrogen-enriched diesel products
SARTRE demonstrates highway platooning
Road train technology to control vehicle 'platoons' has been successfully demonstrated in Europe.
4WD Ferrari unveiled
Ferrari has announced its latest model - a four-seater, four-wheel drive.
Ferrari and VW sales hit record heights
Sales of Ferrari sports cars are hitting record levels in China and the US - VW delivers 7 million vehicles
China & India to drive Asian base oil markets
A new report keeps China and India in the driving seat for base oils, but the supply landscape may change.
Euro vehicle production rises
European vehicle production increased over the first nine months of 2010 according to ACEA
ITW to buy iconic Shell car care brands
Shell is set to sell iconic brands including Slick 50 to Illinois Tool Works.
Nissan Leaf Euro Car of the Year
Nissan's all-electric Leaf has taken a controversial win as 2011 Car of the Year.
Afton additive gains new standard
An Afton Chemical additive range has been given Top Tier approval.
Flights of fantasy in LA
Auto design studios dream-up lightweight cars of the future for LA Auto Show
Japan could be source of hydrogen truck engine
Japanese scientists believe they are close to creating a hydrogen internal combustion engine for heavy trucks
Audi electric car sounds right
Audi is to give its new e-tron electric car an 'engine note'.
Mean Green hybrid machine
Volvo trucks are aiming to break the world speed record for a hybrid truck with "Mean Green"
VW profits soar in Q3
Auto manufacturer, VW saw profits more than treble as it heads into the final quarter.
Aston announces luxury city car
Aston Martin is to produce a small luxury city car in 2011
Plato takes a bath but wins the day
British Touring Car's Chevrolet racing drivers really took a bath, but still came up gleaming in the end.
Petronas Dagangan to supply Proton
Petronas in Malaysia announces an exclusive lubes supply deal with car maker Proton.
Hybrids dominate auto news
New plans from Toyota and a global technology drive push hybrids to the top of the auto news agenda.
Additive costs should play greater role in European fuel pricing
Report from Russia and Ukraine suggests more attention should be paid to MTBE and ETBE factor co-efficients in gasoline pricing.
Exxon stays a GM supplier but Chevron & CITGO nix dexos1
ExxonMobil will continue as GM's US lubes supplier for the next five years as Mobil1 gains global DEXOS licence, but Chevron and CITGO will not go for dexos licences.
Rally coup for Chinese tyre maker
Chinese tyre maker, DMACK, have signed an exclusive deal for the 2011 World Rally Championship.
Lost Aston found as Bentley goes on US Tour
A very rare, 'lost' Aston Martin has sold at auction for more than £200,000, while Bentley runs a parts roadshow for old models in the US.
Afton to launch GF-5 busting motor oil
Afton Chemicals is set to launch a new PCMO to exceed the imminent GF-5 and Dexos standards
North American lubes market in slow recovery says Kline
The North American finished lubes and automotive consumer markets are recovering, but it will be a slow process according to Kline.
Hard lubes piston coating brings fuel savings
Federal-Mogul has launched a new coated piston which, it claims, can save up to 0.8% in fuel consumption and reduce friction.
Euro car market remains volatile
The European car market remains volatile with German and Italian sales down, but France and the UK see signs of improvement.
New auto lube factory planned for Jordan
An Iraqi investment consortium is set to build a $50m car lube plant in Jordan
Chevrolet finds perfect handshake formula
Chevrolet has discovered the formula for a perfect handshake - something it is hoping to teach their sales teams around the world.
Tags: And finally, automotive industry
Lubes market continues to grow in Bangladesh
Mobil report shows continued lubes growth in automotive and other lubes across Bangladesh
EU MMT ban sticks, but door is left open
The European Union's Court of Justice upheld an earlier ruling to restrict the use of fuel MMT.
Bugatti Veyron sets landspeed record
New Bugatti sets world speed record for a production car.
Merc-AMG launch electric supercar
The superfast SLS AMG is now available with electric power.
Good and bad news for Toyota
First European-made hybrid rolls off Toyota line, but there are more recalls.
Art car sells for $500,000
Superstar singer and and artist combine to create auto art to benefit charity
Conoco and Amsoil launch new products
ConocoPhilips has launched a new natural gas lube and Amsoil announces a new small-engine additive.
ACEA agrees electric charging standards
Europe's auto manufacturing body has agreed a joint specification for electric vehicle connection points.
Valvoline shuns Dexos licence
Valvoline says it has no plans to buy licences for its Dexos-standard products.
Independents benefit from new EU rules
Independent lubes suppliers are set to benefit from the new European Union Block Exemption Regulations
dexos2 own-brand lubes launched by GM
GM subsidiary, Vauxhall, has launched the first own-brand lubricants range under the new Dexos2 specification
Mahindra takes electric car stake
Indian car maker has taken a stake in electric vehicle firm REVA
Emirates subsidiary signs major fleet deal
EPPCO has signed an exclusive lubes supply deal with the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group.
Castrol and VW stay united
Castrol has extended its lubes OEM and service contract with VW.
Lubrizol reports on European oil/fuel economy role
Lubrizol has released a report on the role of engine oils in improving fuel economy in Europe.
Toyota and Kia have profitable years
Automakers Toyota and Kia both announced positive numbers despite Toyota's recall woes and global recession.
It's Aston Martin 004
Aston Martin's first four-door rolls off the production line.
Tags: automotive industry, Europe
Romanian lubes consumption drops
Romanian Lubes consumption dropped by 40 million litres in 2009, with 70% consumption comprising automotive
Dexos licences will pay for $50m development programme
GM's Dexos specification testing to be funded by licence and blending fees.
Ferrari Unveils fastest ever 599-GTO
Ferrari launces its fastest ever road going sports car at the Bejing Motorshow
And finally... Bulletin 112 (Apr 10)
Formula One back on the grid; Shell stays with Ferrari; a UN-backed decade of road safety, it's official; automotive April Fools; and the world's largest meatball.
Corporate news - Bulletin 112 (Apr 10)
Aramco expands its Yanbu refinery; Shell and BP consolidate in Africa; Chevron contracts but expands in Sri Lanka; better news for Fuchs; Ford sells Volvo to China; Renault-Nissan join forces with Daimler; and Afton buys Polartech.
Innovation & Environment News - Bulletin 106 (Oct 09)
Big promises at the Climate Change conference, but what impact on fuel and lubes? Algae based fuel for the US Navy; new fluid power research shows promise; and there are innovations in lubricants and transmissions.
Sector Reports
A fascinating review of the European auto industry, BP's World Energy Review, Pike on biofuels and US nano policies are just a sample of the reports available this month.
Tags: automotive industry, BP
Sector Reports
The ACC shows slight encouragement for the chemical industry's production index, but ACEA can't lift the gloom for the European auto makers and calls for urgent help for the commercial vehicle sector. There's also an interesing report on the Nanocatalyst market.
Corporate News - Bulletin 103 (Jun 09)
The Fiat, Chrysler, GM, Magna loop is finally closed; Shell undergoes a major restructure; Chevron and ExxonMobil have a busy month and there is plenty of activity in Malaysia.
Innovation News - Bulletin 103 (Jun 09)
Drivetrains and transmissions lead this month's innovation including an gasoline engine with diesel efficiency and a GKN LSD for the Mazda 'hot hatch'. Dow launches its biodegradable range and Petronas' Urania goes global.
And Finally... Bulletin 103 (Jun 09)
The world's most expensive car is sold at auction; fatty acid oligomers could herald everlasting elastic bands and piston-engine pilots may be running on fumes.


