Infineum and Indian Oil Sign MoU
Infineum and Indian Oil Corp. Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding in Mumbai on Nov. 3 to expand cooperation in lubricant technology and explore long-term opportunities in India’s mobility sector. The companies said the agreement establishes a structure for joint formulation work, performance reviews and information exchange to support the development of new products for passenger vehicles, commercial fleets and industrial users as India’s transport market responds to efficiency targets, emissions requirements and demand for cleaner mobility.
Executives from both companies said the MoU builds on an existing relationship and is in line with IOCL’s plan to work more closely with international technology providers. India remains one of the largest lubricant markets, where refiners and additive suppliers are working together to meet higher performance standards and national goals for efficiency and emissions. Financial terms were not disclosed, and specific projects will be set through individual technical programs.
First API SQ and ILSAC GF-7A PCMO in Thailand
PTT Lubricants introduced Thailand’s first engine oil licensed to the API SQ and ILSAC GF-7A standards with its Performa Super Synthetic 0W-20, which was developed with Evotec technology after API launched the new category in March 2025. Racha U-Thaichan said obtaining both licenses reflects PTT’s participation in the passenger car engine oil segment and supports its plan to expand internationally. The company holds about 30% of Thailand’s lubricant market and is extending its presence beyond Southeast Asia into Africa and the Middle East while continuing partnerships such as its marine lubricants collaboration with Total Lubmarine. Thailand produced 1.47 million vehicles in 2024 and 1.08 million in the first nine months of 2025, underscoring its position as an automotive production base. PTT Lubricants said the API SQ introduction aligns with domestic OEM requirements and the broader shift toward more efficient engine technologies.
North America Gets Eneos Factory-fill-grade Hybrid and EV Lubes
Eneos expanded its North American line of factory-fill-grade lubricants by adding products for hybrid and electric vehicles and updating packaging for workshops. The company introduced Import ATF Model H PLUS for Honda 2.0, 3.0 and 3.1 transmissions, AC Compressor Oil Ze-GLES RB100EV for hybrid and electric HVAC systems compatible with R134a and R1234yf refrigerants, and ECO ATF OE+, which replaces ECO ATF PLUS with updated oxidation stability and broader OEM coverage. Two of the products are blended and manufactured at Eneos’s Alabama facility. The company also added five-quart and six-gallon packaging for its X Prime 0W-8 and 0W-16 fully synthetic motor oils. Hiromi Takahashi said the additions expand Eneos’s aftermarket offerings with lubricants intended for current transmission and electrified systems. Eneos said U.S. demand for low-viscosity products continues to increase and noted the new SKUs will be available through authorized distributors beginning between Nov. 17 and Dec. 1, 2025.
Repsol Leader Line Updated to New APi and ILSAC Specs
Repsol Lubricants updated its Leader Neo 5W-30, 10W-30 and 10W-40 engine oils to meet the API SQ category and, for the 5W-30 and 10W-30 grades, the ILSAC GF-7A specification as the company continues to adjust the line for gasoline and hybrid vehicles. Leader Neo is a fully or semi-synthetic range, and the changes follow similar updates to the 0W-20 and 5W-20 products in June 2025. API SQ, introduced in March 2025 to replace API SP, includes requirements for fuel efficiency, LSPI control, cleanliness and durability, and ILSAC GF-7A replaces GF-6A with updated limits for wear, fuel economy and deposits. Repsol said aligning Leader Neo with these standards supports the intended operating requirements of the applications.
New Shell Fluid Cools All EV Powertrain Parts
Shell said it has advanced its work on thermal management for battery electric vehicles by showing that its EV-Plus Thermal Fluid can cool all components in a BEV powertrain through a single-circuit single-fluid system developed with Horiba MIRA. The dielectric fluid replaces separate cooling loops for batteries, motors and power electronics, and maintained performance in tests that simulated a range of temperatures. Jason Wong said the combined system may simplify vehicle design, reduce the number of components, lower weight and support cost and charging efficiency. The fluid is made using Shell’s PurePlus Technology, a gas-to-liquid process that produces a base oil with dielectric strength and thermal conductivity that allow for direct battery-cell immersion and charging from 10% to 80% in under 10 minutes.
Ravenol Updates Brake Fluid Packaging
Ravenol introduced updated packaging for its high-performance brake fluids with new golden containers designed for better grip and an airtight seal with a pull tab for easier and safer use. The caps now match the label colors and the labels have been redesigned to present product data and specifications more clearly. The formulations remain unchanged and all products continue to be offered in current container sizes. The containers now include scratch codes already used on Ravenol oil cans to help verify authenticity and reduce counterfeiting. The company said the update supports its ongoing effort to expand its portfolio for modern applications and maintain a broad range of lubricants and operating fluids.