Transport Business

Q What do you envisage will be the major changes in the ‘engines of the future’ over the next 5-10 years?
Changes in engine design are being driven by a number of factors, chief amongst these is the need to reduce energy consumption by improving fuel efficiency. Much of this change has been stimulated by the legislative developments in the passenger car segment, which force OEMs and their suppliers to innovate in ways that improve engine efficiency and therefore reduce fuel consumption. This is mirrored by a wish to improve fuel efficiency in the goods transport arena too. Increased consumer desire for enhanced driveability and comfort have also compounded the demand for more complex and advanced engine design.
    
The lubricants market must therefore match this level of innovation and help its partners deliver against legislative and consumer demands. For passenger car OEMs faced with significant financial penalties if their commitments to post-Kyoto CO2 targets are not met, this is increasingly important. That’s why any impact on fuel efficiency becomes a critical differentiator. As innovations in drivetrains – from conventional through to hybrids and electric – accelerate, companies such as Shell need to work with OEMs to understand the impact on fuel efficiency.

Q What is the role of lubricants in the reduction of CO2 emissions?
When it comes to energy efficient lubricants for vehicles, it’s all about improving fuel economy. A more efficient engine requires less fuel and energy and therefore has a knock-on impact on CO2 emissions.
    
The outmoded view that lubricants are a commodity that has no material impact on performance and efficiency is mistaken. The right lubricant with the right technology embedded in its development can ensure significant fuel efficiency improvements and associated CO2 emissions reductions. For instance, we know that the effective use of lubricants – such as Shell Rimula R6 LME in a truck engine – can improve fuel efficiency by up to five per cent when used in combination with fuel economy gearbox and axle oils. For transport manufacturers producing millions of units a year, marginal benefits such as this aggregated over their entire production, amount to significant improvements.
    
Shell’s own portfolio of technically advanced products is already helping customers use less fuel and reduce emissions in other ways too. In the fuels sector we’ve developed a product called Shell FuelSave, the most advanced Shell fuel economy product ever. Shell FuelSave is designed to help customers save up to one litre per tank at no additional cost.
    
If we also focus on changing driver behaviour, the savings can multiply further. The Shell FuelSave Challenge completed in 2007 and 2008 across 10 countries, demonstrated that drivers can make fuel savings of 10 per cent, with the best saving 24 per cent when using a combination of fuels with Fuel Economy formula and FuelSave tips.

Q As engine oils develop and provide greater levels of fuel economy, how will they enable cost savings for OEMs and vehicle operators?
As well as the impact lubricants can have on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions,best  in class lubricants can also reduce maintenance, improve durability and ensure better cleanliness – all of which drive cost savings for OEMs and vehicle operators.
    
However, with ever-tightening legislation, perhaps the greatest saving for OEMs comes by helping them reduce their exposure to fines relating to fuel efficiency. By investing in technology and keeping application front of mind, we can help our partners address these new challenges whilst balancing fuel efficiency demands with high levels of durability and oil specification constraints.

Q How is the lubricants industry working together with the logistics and haulage industry to meet current challenges?
Working in partnership is critical to successful and productive relationships. It’s also where we can see innovation and collaboration coming together to deliver real results, so it’s an exciting part of the journey for us.
    
For instance, we regularly work with the automotive giant Daimler on field trials to ensure that the performance benefits of its latest vehicle improvements can be achieved.  In the course of the test development, Shell was able to demonstrate excellent engine cleanliness and wear protection by using its top tier engine oils such as Rimula R6 LME. In this instance, this enabled this low-viscosity, fuel economy lubricant to gain early Daimler approval for use at extended oil drain intervals. Daimler was so impressed by the fuel economy results that they chose Shell Rimula R6 LME heavy-duty diesel engine oil when they recently set a new world record in truck fuel efficiency.  
    
We also recognise that transport and haulage companies are facing shrinking margins and rising costs, and need support. That’s why we’ve invested in the development of Shell FuelSave partner – a fuel management system to help commercial road transport operators save up to 10 per cent fuel by highlighting opportunities to improve vehicle operational performance and driver behaviour.
    
We believe that the pace of innovation in engine design necessitates an ever closer working relationship with OEMs. We are working towards the development of co-engineered lubricants designed to meet the specific demands of our partners. But we also recognise that this is a long-term process with engine design often taking more than 10 years from conception to realisation. That’s why we’re committed to long-term alliances and technology investment.