Although the transition to electric vehicles will gradually cut the automotive industry’s need for industrial lubricants, metal forming fluids used to make car bodies should remain in demand, with some boost from their use in manufacturing battery casings, a consultant told the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers recently.

Eleven automakers – the majority headquartered in Japan and South Korea – have joined the International Fluids Consortium, the fledgling organization established in 2020 to develop global lubricant specifications. The consortium plans a 2022 launch for its first two specs – both for conventional light-duty automotive engine oils – an official told a recent industry conference.

Cosan’s Moove reported increases in profit and revenue and a decrease in sales volume for the quarter ending Sept. 30, compared to last year’s results from the same period. Moove, the lubricant production and distribution arm of Sao Paulo-based Cosan, posted net income of 82.7 million Brazilian reals, up 19% from R69.7 million the year prior.