Synthetic Lubricants and Functional Fluids 1999 - 2004

Additional Information

THE STUDY

The study consists of 306 pages with 13 chapters, as shown in the table of contents. The structure and writing style are designed to provide a high-quality, professional presentation of the findings. Unlike other market research reports that are available, Kline & Company’s study, SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS AND FUNCTIONAL FLUIDS, 1999 TO 2004, is based on primary research. This research includes both phone and field interviews with basestock manufacturers, finished lubricant manufacturers and marketers, additives suppliers, end users, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), government agencies, and other industry players.

The result of this approach is a cutting-edge report based on the consolidated views and positions of the industry. This approach makes for a much more powerful and valuable tool than market research just based on secondary data or only one company’s internal perceptions of the marketplace.

In addition to presenting market size and segmentation data from this research, the study is rich in information and insights into intermaterial competition, pricing, margins, channels of distribution, competitive forces, and business opportunities. The core sections of the study are discussed below.

Product chapters. SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS AND FUNCTIONAL FLUIDS, 1999 TO 2004 provides an in-depth analysis of seven major product categories, including PAOs, esters, PAGs, alkylated aromatics, PFPEs, CTFE, and silicones. Each product chapter includes an objective analysis of both supply and demand issues and emerging applications, as well as a business outlook. The analysis includes estimates of synthetic lubricant and functional fluid demand by both volume and value for 1999. In addition, the product chapters featured include a five-year forecast of demand under three scenarios (most likely, optimistic, and pessimistic).

Intermaterial competition. Intermaterial competition is one of the hottest issues now impacting the synthetic lubricants market. API Group III basestocks and PAO have started to battle for market share in selected product categories. Group III basestocks have already taken a big bite out of the synthetic lubricants market in PCMO, and Kline & Company will answer the question how far will this go?

Two leading marketers of PCMO recently switched from PAO to Group III in their synthetic PCMO formulations. These two switches alone accounted for 5 million gal, a prize for Group III, that came at the expense of PAO.

This section provides an in-depth analysis of the competition between PAO and Group III basestocks. It looks specifically at cost, price, and performance trade-offs, and market developments for each. The section is a must-read for any significant marketers of synthetic lubricants, and stakeholders in Group III and/or PAO.

Value-chain analysis - automotive applications. This section is also a must-read for virtually all in the lubricants business. It provides the critical information required for understanding where and how value is added to synthetic lubricant as it moves through the automotive lubricant value chain. Specifically, it tracks the cost and price of PAO and synthetic lubricants from conversion of ethylene to decene through to the finished PCMO on the market.

SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS AND FUNCTIONAL FLUIDS, 1999 TO 2004 provides the information required to maximize returns and minimize risks along the value chain.

Supplier profiles. Understanding the competition is basic to growing your business. This is particularly critical in the synthetic lubricants business, where competition is stiff and increasing. Cost, which in the past has been focused on direct competitors, now needs to include a view of other technologies. The supplier profiles featured in SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS AND FUNCTIONAL FLUIDS, 1999 TO 2004 provide subscribers with an excellent resource to sharpen their awareness of the position of suppliers in the marketplace. The synthetic lubricant business activities of 17 synthetic basestock manufacturers are profiled.

In addition, the report includes profiles on the synthetic lubricant business activity of seven suppliers of finished synthetic lubricants. The profiles serve as a resource for the competitive intelligence and insights required to benchmark your business activity. This awareness can be a powerful tool in developing a solid strategy to enhance your company’s competitive position. The profiles can also be used to screen potential acquisition and alliance candidates.

METHODOLOGY

As the leading global consultancy on lubricants and functional fluids, Kline & Company developed this study based heavily on primary research (field and telephone interviews). Combined with our experience in understanding markets for finished lubricants, basestocks, and additives, this approach has a proven track record as the most effective and reliable in analyzing the lubricants business, as well as in identifying business opportunities.

SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS AND FUNCTIONAL FLUIDS, 1999 TO 2004 leverages our contacts in the industry and employs the use of primary research to capture information from a wide range of industry experts and opinion leaders. Although primary research is by far the leading source of information and insights provided in SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS AND FUNCTIONAL FLUIDS, 1999 TO 2004, the analysis is supplemented by secondary research. This secondary research includes: (1) a review of suppliers’ product literature and price lists; (2) a search of recent trade and technical literature; and (3) an analysis of statistical data from the government, industry, and trade associations and agencies. In addition, we leverage information from Kline & Company’s highly regarded continuing service OPPORTUNITIES IN LUBRICANTS, as well as other multiclient studies, including: