Volume 32, Issue 2

Gabriela Wheeler discusses some signs that demand for U.S. base oils could improve in coming months, although prices may continue to face downward  pressure. •  A tidal wave of mineral base oil capacity is surging onto a global market that already has a supply overhang. Exporters are especially likely to feel the impact.• Electric vehicle manufacturers have a big wishlist for the next generation of driveline fluids — copper compatibility, copper protection, improved efficiency. • Formulators have their work cut out. Kline & Co.’s Anuj Kumar observes Group III base oils sprouting from a few used oil rerefiners and predicts more will come. • The next heavy-duty engine oil specification for North America is headed for the finish line, but a few final tasks remain.