Why GF-5?  

The Automotive Industry Speeds Towards GF-5

How will U.S. Government regulations drive the future of the automotive and lubricant industries?

Regulation drives vehicle design, which in turn drives new enabling technology.

By 2011 all new passenger vehicles manufactured in the United States will be required to meet new government regulations put in place to further improve fuel economy and reduce exhaust gas emissions. 

Why create new regulations?

In the past 40 years, U.S. government regulations have brought about significant fuel economy and emission improvements through required mechanical and chemical component redesigns.  While these regulations were successful, more progress  is needed. The number of vehicles on the road continues to increase resulting in negative environmental impacts. And, the cost of fuel continues to increase resulting in amplified public demand for improved fuel economy.  These factors accelerated the cycle of regulation and the performance upgrade of engine oils.

New vehicle designs will require new technologies from supporting industries

Automotive manufacturers will not be the only ones required to carry out the regulation-driven redesign. Supporting industries and technologies, such as oil marketers and lubricant additive industries, are currently working together to develop and define a new motor oil specification known as ILSAC GF-5.  The GF-5 oils will be designed to improve the function and performance of the new engine and emission designs and help ensure compliance with the new government regulations. 

GF-5 beyond the U.S.

The GF-5 specification will have a global impact.  As with the previous GF-4 specification, Japan, Korea, and Canada are expected to adopt GF-5 immediately and global marketers of motor oils will add GF-5 to their requirements before 2011.

Consumers and GF-5

The transition to the new motor oils is seamless for owners.  Their owners manual will tell them to use only motor oil carrying the API certification mark (Starburst).  By the time 2011 vehicles hit the showroom floor, motor oils carrying the API certification mark will be ILSAC GF-5 quality.