National Press Release

- A significant shift in consumption patterns in the lubricant additives industry is occurring mainly due to changes in service and performance requirements of automotive engine oils.-

LITTLE FALLS, N.J., March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- While the consumption of finished lubricants is projected to be essentially flat between 2008 and 2013, consumption of lubricant additives will grow at a respectable 0.7% per year according to the latest research from worldwide consulting and research firm Kline & Company.

The key change driver of the lubricants industry will be the development of new quality levels for passenger car motor oils (PCMO) and heavy duty motor oils. The drivers for these quality upgrades are compatibility with emission control, use of bio-fuels, use of ultra low sulfur diesel, focus on improving fuel economy in PCMO, and increasing the life of the engine oil.

"Despite the economic recession, consumption of lubricant additives will show moderate overall growth," says Milind Phadke, project manager at Kline's Energy research practice. "Some function classes like dispersants, antioxidants, friction modifiers, and viscosity index improvers are growth opportunities due to the increased focus on engine oil longevity, the need for greater oxidation inhibition, the use of biofuels, and the increased use of multigrades."

Volumetric data from Global Lubricant Additives 2008: Market Analysis and Opportunities shows that improvement in performance levels in advanced economies and improved treat rates in cost-competitive markets drives a relatively strong growth in lubricant additives. Some functional classes like antioxidants (growing at 2.6%), dispersants (growing at 1.2%), and friction modifiers (growing at 1.1%) are projected to experience even stronger growth than the overall additives growth rate.

Kline's report estimates the global consumption of lubricant additives at 4,130 kilotonnes in 2008, and this includes consumption of both active additive components as well as diluent oil. Overall consumption in the most likely scenario is projected to grow at 0.7% per year, reaching 4,285 kilotonnes by 2013.

Global Lubricant Additives 2008: Market Analysis and Opportunities provides a comprehensive analysis of the global market for lubricant additives, focusing on estimated consumption by chemical class and additive type, key trends, market developments, challenges, and business opportunities, and includes access to Kline's proprietary lubricant additives de-blend model.

To learn more about Global Lubricant Additives 2008: Market Analysis and Opportunities, go to http://www.klinegroup.com/reports/y655.asp.

Kline will present highlights from this study during a web conference on Thursday, March 26, 2009, 9:00am EDT, 15:00pm CET.

About Kline

Kline is a worldwide consulting and research firm dedicated to providing the kind of insight and knowledge that helps companies find a clear path to success. The firm has served the management consulting and market research needs of organizations in the chemicals, materials, energy, life sciences, and consumer products industries for 50 years. For more information, visit www.KlineGroup.com.

    For more information, contact:
    Vera Sandarova
    Marketing Communications
    +420-222-316-282
    Vera.Sandarova@klinegroup.com

SOURCE Kline & Company