With the sale of new petrol and diesel cars on track to be phased out by 2030 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, SMMT figures showed that 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 roads. 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 32 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2023 TECHNICAL www.aftermarketonline.net 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. The importance of high-quality lubricants Using high-quality oils can enhance engine performance, including reducing emissions, and extending the lifespan of the vehicle. Well-maintained 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 GETTING TO GREEN How can lubricants help accelerate sustainability for aftermarket operators? BY David Valentyne, Business Development Manager, TotalEnergies Marketing UK
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