Analysis of the last 25 years' of global lubricants demand shows a relatively flat market - with a tip towards China and India, but energy demand is set to soar from now until 2050.
US automakers & State of California combine to drive up emissions standards; China & India add regs pressure on lubes producers.
Tata partners with Valvoline Cummins for exclusive product range, while Saudi Aramco and Hyundai Heavy Industries subsidiaries announce a deal to give Aramco broader downstream growth.
With Artificial Intelligence set to change many aspects of oil exploration, lubes and fuel production and marketing, voice analysis could be the most significant challenge according to OATS.
Two major conferences in Asia and Europe reveal India is catching up in the high quality lubes market; Europe has work to do in read-across interchange and Japan is preparing ultra-low specs.
Conference season reveals new lubes trends; the EV market increases its influence and the lubes industry and the battle over diesel continues.
India set to purchase more oil products - particularly gasoline and diesel - than China, making it the world's second largest oil consumer.
Shell will partner with Pitstop, India's leading doorsetp car-services company to provide periodicoil service to vehicles.
Eroding profits and tough legislation have hit the Indian diesel vehicle industry, with consumers also showing price sensitivity.
Toyota and Suzuki will mutually supply cars to the Indian market starting in 2019.