The second generation of General Motors` proprietary dexos1™ specification for gasoline engines is here, reflecting the global market shift toward higher performance lubricants and greater fuel economy. Mandatory transition to the new dexos1™ specification is expected in August 2016; current dexos1™ certification will expire at that time.

Shell Rimula R6 LME 5W-30 diesel engine oil has been approved for first fill of all MAN Euro 6 trucks produced in Germany. This is the first time MAN has endorsed one oil company with exclusivity to supply first fill for this category of vehicles produced in Germany, which are designed to adhere to the strict emissions limits enforced by Euro 6 legislation.

ExxonMobil announced last Wednesday it is increasing production of its Group II and Group II+ EHC™ base stocks following the completion of a major expansion at its Baytown, Texas refinery, originally announced in 2013. In addition, ExxonMobil is also introducing a new Group II EHC 65 base stock designed for blending heavy duty engine oils.

First-quarter 2015 profits, except for Shell due to special items in the 2014 quarter, and revenues for the major oil companies were all down. Upstream earnings were down, impacted by the significant decline in oil and gas prices, while refining and marketing earnings were up.

Valvoline turned in a strong performance as improved mix and lower raw-material costs led to higher profitability and margins in the second quarter of its fiscal year. EBITDA rose 18 percent, to $106 million versus the prior year. Total sales though declined 4 percent, to $481 million, primarily as a result of currency headwinds.

• Calumet Increases Calpar 2500 (Group I Bright Stock) Price by 10 CPG Effective May 1
• Croda Breaks Ground on First North American Plant that Will Enable Production of 100-Percent Sustainable Non-ionic Surfactants
• BTC to distribute lubricant additives, base stocks and MWF components in North and Central Europe
• BOSS Lubricants named Exclusive Distributor of Veedol Lubricants for Western Canada
• 600,000 Corvettes and Counting: Mobil 1 and Chevrolet Celebrate Long-Standing Lubricant Technology Partnership
• Petronas Dagangan to Supply Lubricants Worth US$14 Million to Port of Tg Pelepas, Malaysia's Biggest Port