Asia

Global forecasts for 2010 growth in real GDP are increased to 4.5% but the recovery rates vary significantly by country even within the dynamic BRIC economies. In Russia, how will the significant increase in car imports impact on the lubricants market?

European desire for small cars reduces emissions; self-healing starfish could prolong oil life; Indian collaboration on biofuels; 'lip gloss' for high speed trains; and Tedd Biddle gains Excellence honour.

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.

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.

Castrol are providing Biolubes for five new Korean-built chemical ships.

Automakers Toyota and Kia both announced positive numbers despite Toyota's recall woes and global recession.

South Koera's SK Lubricants and Spain's Repsol are to build a new plant in South East Spain

Infineum is set to boost its salicylate production with a new plant in Singapore.

Mobil report shows continued lubes growth in automotive and other lubes across Bangladesh

Sri Lanka's Laugfs Holdings are set to raise millions of dollars through a share issue and plan to build a lubes plant.

India's Tide Water Oil is looking to expand its lubes business through acquisition, while the state will retain its shareholding.