Internal combustion engine technology remains crucial globally, especially in regions where infrastructure, economic growth, and vehicle demand continue to support internal combustion engine platforms. With the growth of electrification market share, in-depth observation of regional transportation trends can reveal the complex story of the future of internal combustion engine technology.Asia is particularly prominent as it is a region where the number of vehicles driven solely by internal combustion engines is increasing, especially in the field of heavy-duty applications. At the same time, North America is undergoing a different kind of transformation, with a wave of new regulations redefining performance standards. Even as European manufacturers accelerate their electrification transformation in this market, they still need to support internal combustion engine engines.With the continuous development of ICE technology, the integration of alternative fuels, and meeting stricter emission standards, the lubricant industry must make adjustments with precision and foresight. The future of ICE is not static. It is vibrant, diverse, and deeply regional.ICE fleet expands in AsiaThere are several factors driving the adoption of ICE in Asia. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and infrastructure expansion have driven an increase in demand for commercial transportation. The demand for heavy-duty trucks and buses driven solely by internal combustion engines is strong, as they offer a variety of fuel types including natural gas. According to statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, sales of natural gas heavy-duty trucks have increased fourfold from 5% in 2018 to approximately 20% in 2024.The internal combustion engine platform still dominates the market for passenger cars, motorcycles, and other light vehicles. In Asian markets outside of India, internal combustion engine vehicles are expected to lead the light fleet market by 2050. The motorcycle market driven solely by internal combustion engines is expected to remain stable until 2040. These trends highlight the enduring relevance of ICE technology in the Asian travel landscape.Vehicles equipped only with internal combustion engines in other regions still have long runways. The United States is the world's second-largest automobile market, with sales of approximately 16 million vehicles in 2024. According to S&P Global data, electric vehicles only account for 7.5% of all new car sales in the first seven months of 2025, while new energy vehicles only account for 9%. With the contraction of government subsidies, the popularity of electric vehicles has also slowed down.In Latin America, electric vehicle sales tripled to 444000 units in 2024, accounting for 8% of total sales and reaching 5.6 million units. But at least some analysts predict that the growth of electric vehicle sales in the region will slow down to mid double digits in the coming years. Reliable car sales data for Africa is difficult to obtain, but the World Economic Forum has stated that electric vehicles will only account for 1% of total car sales in 2024, despite doubling sales of new electric vehicles.As OEM manufacturers introduce more energy-efficient and emission compliant fuel platforms, performance expectations continue to rise. Lubricating oil must provide performance across a wider range of operating conditions, fuel types, and engine architectures.The European Union has begun to implement the EU's seventh vehicle emission standard, which is expected to be fully implemented in the remaining time of this decade. Asia closely follows, with China and India adopting the Chinese 6/VI standard and the Indian 6/VI standard, which are highly similar to the EU 6 and Euro VI. The emission regulations for two wheelers in Asia and Latin America are expected to become stricter, further driving the demand for advanced lubricant formulations for these vehicles.It goes without saying that on all platforms, including vehicles driven solely by internal combustion engines and hybrid vehicles equipped with both internal combustion engines and electric motors, the demand for high-performance lubricants and additives is also increasing as emission standards become stricter. In addition, the rise of hybrid internal combustion engine platforms in Asia has brought new challenges. These engines typically operate at lower temperatures and frequently undergo start stop cycles, thus requiring enhanced volatility and prevention of lubricant deposition. The lubricant industry must anticipate these changes and develop solutions that are both technically robust and regionally relevant.Localized lubricant development and delivery methods have become key to effectively meeting regional demands. Companies that invest in local research and development, testing, and collaboration can quickly respond to regulatory changes and customer demands. For example, in China, Lubrizol's local testing capabilities enable lubricant developers to validate formulations under actual conditions, improving reliability and performance.This strategy also supports joint development with original manufacturers and oil companies to achieve customized solutions that match local engine design and fuel composition. The ability to adjust formulations based on specific market demands, such as hybrid vehicle requirements or alternative fuel compatibility, enhances technological resilience and end-user satisfaction.Internal combustion engine technology is advancing with the aim of improving thermal efficiency and reducing emissions. In China, a recent study has found that the thermal efficiency of mainstream Chinese passenger car engines has increased from 33% in 2010 to an estimated 45% by 2025. Thermal efficiency refers to the ratio of useful work output to fuel energy input, which may decrease due to factors such as friction, incomplete combustion, and heat loss in the exhaust. According to reports, the thermal efficiency of commercial vehicle engines has now exceeded 50%. The working environment is more stringent, so lubricating oil must have excellent durability and stability.Alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas, biodiesel, and methanol have brought new challenges. Lubricants must be formulated according to different combustion characteristics, corrosion risks, and heat loads. For example, methanol and ethanol fuels produce acidic byproducts and water through combustion processes. This requires lubricating oil to be formulated with highly corrosive additives. Using biodiesel as an alternative fuel may lead to sludge formation in certain situations. This requires a lubricant with strong dispersants and antioxidant properties.These fuel specific requirements are reshaping additive chemistry. The lubricant industry is currently innovating in multiple dimensions - thermal stability, ore deposit control, wear protection, and fuel compatibility - to ensure the feasibility and efficiency of internal combustion engine platforms in a low-carbon future.Internal combustion engine innovationIn addition to adapting to different fuel types, modern internal combustion engine platforms are more advanced than ever before. Engineers utilize advanced combustion technology, lightweight materials, and integrated mixing systems to extract efficiency as much as possible. These innovations have put forward new requirements for lubricants, which must work at higher operating temperatures, stricter tolerances, and increasingly complex working cycles.Lubricants are no longer just passive protectants - they are active contributors to engine performance. Additive chemistry plays a crucial role in reducing friction, preventing wear, and maintaining cleanliness in these high-performance environments. With the development of internal combustion engine technology, the science behind the fluid that supports it must also continue to advance.Promoting future innovation requires a deep understanding of tribology, fluid dynamics, and materials science, and a commitment to continuous improvement.Original equipment manufacturers in North America are entering a phase of transformation, driving several new regulations that will redefine performance standards for passenger car oils.ILSAC GF-8: The upcoming specifications will meet the unique requirements of hybrid engines that operate under different thermal and mechanical conditions compared to traditional internal combustion engines. GF-8 will emphasize fuel economy, wear resistance, and compatibility with hybrid specific hardware.Next generation Dexos1: General Motors' next-generation Dexos1 will raise standards in terms of oxidation stability, low-speed pre ignition protection, and turbocharger cleanliness. These improvements reflect the reality of modern engine design and consumers' expectations for durability and efficiency.These specifications collectively signify a shift towards more tailored lubricant solutions - reflecting the diversity of powertrain architectures and regional regulatory pressures. Lubricant marketers must be prepared to quickly adjust their investment portfolio to align with these evolving standards while maintaining performance and cost-effectiveness.For global lubricant marketers and formulators, agility is crucial. The ability to quickly adjust product combinations to meet constantly changing specifications and OEM needs will be a key differentiating factor in the coming years. This requires close collaboration with additive suppliers investing in next-generation chemical technologies - these technologies guarantee uncompromising performance.It is worth emphasizing repeatedly that internal combustion engines will continue to be the cornerstone of global travel in the foreseeable future. With the development of technology and changes in regional demand, the lubricant industry must respond with innovation, collaboration, and localized expertise.Supporting internal combustion engine technology in a constantly changing environment requires:Advanced additive science tailored to fuel types and engine designs.Comply with constantly evolving regional standards and norms.Conduct localized development and testing to ensure reliability.Establish strategic partnerships with OEMs and service providers.The development of internal combustion engine technology is far from over. As the global lubricant market adapts to new specifications, blending, and regional differences, cooperation will become indispensable. Success depends on the ability of all parties in the value chain to share insights, adjust strategies, and invest in technology that meets constantly changing needs.With the diversification of travel patterns, the lubricant industry must maintain flexibility, sufficient information, and foresight. Supporting internal combustion engine technology in this constantly changing future is not just a technical challenge. This is a strategic necessity.Source of Information/Lubes'n'gerases * Disclaimer: Reproduction and compilation are intended to convey more industry information and do not represent our platform's endorsement of its views or confirmation of the accuracy of its original text. All copyrights of original reports, including text, images, audio, video, and other multimedia content, belong to the original authors. 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