With the sale of new petrol and diesel cars on track to be phased out by 2035 as part of the UKs 2050 carbon neutrality strategy, every stage of the automotive market supply chain is at a pivotal juncture of strategic and operational transformation. As of May 2023, 17% of new car registrations were electric vehicles with the UK's roads currently having approximately 1.25 million electric and plug-in hybrid cars. While it sounds significant, this figure is equivalent to only the total number of Ford Focuses on our highways. Herein lies a key tension within the automotive sustainability agenda. As alternative-fuelled vehicles are steadily adopted, the automotive industry also needs to ensure the existing legacy vehicle fleet is operating in the most economical and eco-effective manner possible. With the average age of UK vehicles estimated to be close to nine years, the next decade represents a critical window for responsible decision making and informed product choices to achieve this. Both the goods and services on offer and the operational and logistical systems of the aftermarket industry are well positioned to amplify rather than undermine the carbon reduction efforts taking place at the top of the funnel while supporting the sustainability of the existing fleet. Using high-quality oils can enhance engine performance, including reducing emissions, and extending the lifespan of the vehicle. Wellmaintained vehicles that use high quality, effective lubricants can increase their fuel efficiency by approximately 4%. Furthermore, extending a car's lifespan can generate an environmental impact comparable to, if not greater than, the effect achieved by transitioning to a new vehicle with a more fuel-efficient engine. Making informed decisions about the oil used in vehicles can significantly improve their overall carbon impact. Firstly, the first-fill oil - utilised for the initial filling of a car's engine before it leaves the factory - can significantly impact the overall longevity and long-term efficiency of the vehicle. Rightly, manufacturers seek a high-quality first-fill oil to provide their vehicles with the best possible start which can reduce technical issues like plug fouling, damage to diesel injection systems due to a lack of lubricity, and oxidisation Secondly, cars require an exceptional lubricant for optimal fuel efficiency on an ongoing basis. While driving, the moving components within an engine are exposed to unavoidable wear and tear. A superior lubricant plays a crucial role in reducing friction, cooling the moving parts, and maintaining engine cleanliness. A high quality lubricant that can enhance engine cleanliness while also providing anti-wear protection is a key factor in extending the lifespan of an engine. Not all engine lubricants are created equal and when looking to extend the performance and lifespan of an engine, it is recommended to continue using the same lubricant as was applied in the first-fill throughout the maintenance process to ensure a consistency of quality and efficacy. In 2008 alone, nearly 3 million PSA vehicles were equipped with Quartz Ineo First 0W-30 as their first-fill oil and it continues to be a popular 28 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2023 TECHNICAL www.aftermarketonline.net How can lubricants help accelerate sustainability for aftermarket operators? maintenance choice for optimum engine protection. TotalEnergies has since developed a new first fill product for vehicles which require the latest new generation engine oils and which further reduces emissions. Quartz Ineo First 0W-20, designated by the ACEA as a Fuel Economy lubricant, demonstrated a remarkable 3.3 percent reduction in fuel consumption. Created using TotalEnergies' proprietary eco-sciences technology, it protects against wear and ageing while delivering optimal performance and is now adopted as a first fill and recommended after sales oil by Stellantis. Optimising every point While extending the lifespan of vehicles themselves represents one of the most significant levers in redressing the automotive sector’s carbon footprint, there remain sustainable opportunities across every stage of the automotive journey that have the potential to accelerate the industry’s green transformation. Alongside environmental pressures, the push for sustainability is being driven by a combination of top-down and bottom-up pressures framed by regulatory, consumer and commercial pressures. Garage technicians, for example, are facing the need to stock a larger number of lubricant references in their workshops to meet evolving consumer demand and regulatory compliance, including environmental standards. BY David Valentyne, Business Development Manager, TotalEnergies Marketing UK GETTING TO GREEN
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