ExxonMobil last Monday announced that the company is developing a project to produce Group II base stocks at the Rotterdam refinery. The announcement follows previously announced plans to increase its Group II base stock capacity at refineries in Singapore and Baytown, Texas. Production is expected to begin in 2018.

SAE International has revised its SAE J300, Engine Oil Viscosity Grade Classification System, adding two new high-temperature viscosity grades - SAE 8 and SAE 12. The benefit of establishing new viscosity grades is to provide a framework for formulating lower HTHS engine oils in support of the ongoing quest of OEMs to improve fuel economy.

Shell has launched a new website WhatisPC11.com to help educate and inform people about the next generation of diesel engine oils known as API PC-11. Shell created the website to be a resource for topics such as the fundamentals of PC-11, impending changes, testing updates, and how it is expected to affect new, current and older engines when the category replaces API CJ-4 engine oils by 2017.

Shell is expanding its collaboration with BMW AG, following being named the recommended supplier of genuine BMW engine oil and BMW Group’s only recommended global supplier for aftermarket motor oils. Shell Lubricants – Shell Helix Ultra and Pennzoil Platinum – joins forces with BMW Motorsport as its premium technology partner and exclusive supplier of premium motor oils.

FUCHS PETROLUB SE last Friday reported that for the financial year 2014, Group sales revenues increased to EUR 1.866 (US$2.12) billion, 2% higher than its previous year's revenue. Earnings (EBIT) of EUR 313 million were slightly ahead of the previous year's record level of EUR 312. The company reported growth in all three of its global regions.

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