Japan’s Mitsui Chemical started commercial production in April at its new plant in Ichihara, outside of Tokyo, of synthetic hydrocarbon fluids that it makes under the Lucant brand name. They are primarily used as viscosity modifiers in lubricants.  Southeast Asia sales of four-wheel automobiles grew 43% to 281,494 in March, compared to the same month last year, according to Asean Automotive Federation data. The sales for the first quarter of this year were up 7% at 732,931, increasing from 683,537 in 2020’s first quarter, suggesting continued recovery after sales dropped nearly 30% in 2020.