According to a recent Kline and Co. study, volume demand for U.S. commercial automotive lubricants (including heavy-duty motor oil, hydraulic and transmission fluid, gear oil and grease) slipped 9.6 percent between 2008 and 2011, while market value increased 18.8 percent. Among the factors cited for this statistic are the increased use of synthetic lubricants and oil analysis services, increased practice of extended drain intervals and improved mechanical efficiency in commercial vehicles.
Although penetration of synthetic lubricants is still relatively low in the U.S. commercial heavy-duty motor oil (HDMO) segment, this could change in 2016 when original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are faced with more stringent fuel economy regulations.
“This may prompt OEMs to specify lower-viscosity engine oils, a potential technical driver to synthetic usage,” said George Morvey, U.S.-based project manager with Kline’s Petroleum and Energy Practice.
