How should fleets select an engine oil partner for Euro VI and upcoming Euro VII needs?

Prioritize suppliers that can document ACEA sequences and OEM sheets for your engine list, not just viscosity grade. For heavy-duty, track ACEA Oil Sequences 2024 updates and timing for mandatory use.

Why are 0W-20 oils gaining preference in European service bays?

Lower viscosity can support efficiency targets, but only when the oil meets the exact OEM and ACEA requirements. The biggest practical risk is mis-application, which can damage aftertreatment systems or invalidate warranty.

What should buyers check when considering re-refined base oil formulations?

Ask for proof of performance equivalence claims, OEM approvals where applicable, and consistency controls on feedstock quality. Also confirm whether the supplier can scale volumes without changing the formulation mid-contract.

How do ACEA E8, E11, and F01 changes affect heavy-duty oil choices?

They introduce newer performance expectations and, for F01, viscosity-related requirements tied to fuel economy. Buyers should plan for relabeling, re-approval lead times, and workshop training before compliance deadlines.

What are the most common causes of engine oil program failures in workshops?

The top issues are wrong spec selection, poor inventory discipline across many OEM sheets, and unclear labeling at point of use. Reduce risk with supplier-led training, simplified SKU rationalization, and fitment tools.

How can procurement validate innovation claims without overpaying?

Tie premiums to measurable outputs like extended drain interval support, documented deposit control tests, and verified OEM approvals. Pilot in a controlled fleet slice, then expand only if maintenance outcomes improve.

Top Europe Automotive Engine Oils Companies

BP plc

Castrol's 2024 strategy refresh signals a sharper focus on efficiency, circularity, and new mobility needs across Europe. BP, a major player in lubricants, can turn that positioning into workshop pull when EU rules push low viscosity oils and documented approvals. In December 2025, Renault After Sales launched a co-branded Renault Castrol GTX range formulated with re-refined base oils, starting with RN17 availability across its European dealer network. If re-refined inputs become a mainstream procurement requirement, BP can scale supply with OEM partners faster than many blenders. The largest operational risk is complexity in managing many OEM specs without raising service errors.

Leaders

Exxon Mobil Corporation

Divestment plans in France still leave ExxonMobil intending to keep selling finished lubricants and base stocks in the country, preserving continuity for buyers. In parallel, ExxonMobil's 2025 Europe reorganization points to cost discipline and a tighter link between technical teams and manufacturing sites in the region. That setup can help when OEM approvals proliferate and customers need faster technical support for correct oil selection. If EU due diligence rules raise compliance costs, ExxonMobil may prioritize fewer, higher-value formulations. The main operational risk is losing local responsiveness during restructuring, which can open doors for faster regional specialists.

Leaders

FUCHS

New Fiat and Stellantis approvals show how FUCHS keeps its passenger car portfolio aligned with fast moving European OEM requirements. In January 2024, FUCHS launched a 0W-20 oil approved for Fiat specifications and positioned it for modern turbo and hybrid needs. A 2025 product note described a 5W-30 formulated for Stellantis engines requiring a specific FPW specification, supporting workshop compliance and warranty protection. If ultra-low viscosity adoption broadens beyond premium fleets, FUCHS can extend this approval-first playbook. Risk concentrates in managing many variants without increasing channel confusion and returns.

Leaders

Shell plc

Two 2024 Helix launches underline Shell's focus on meeting upgraded OEM requirements, with product rollouts explicitly planned for Europe in 2024. Shell also took a 2024 final investment decision in Germany to repurpose its Rheinland site to produce Group III base oils for high-quality lubricants, targeting about 300,000 tonnes per year capacity. In 2025, Shell and Ducati announced a co-branded motorcycle oil sold through Ducati dealers across Europe, reinforcing premium channel access. If EU rules favor lower viscosity and circular base oils, Shell can supply both branded oils and key base oil inputs. The operational risk is complex multi-site transformation without service disruption.

Leaders

TotalEnergies

Circular oils moved from concept to shelf for TotalEnergies through EV3R branded offerings spanning light and heavy vehicles in Europe. In June 2024, Stellantis highlighted co-branding of Quartz EV3R 10W-40 made from regenerated base oils, positioned as a circular economy step while maintaining performance. In November 2024, TotalEnergies Lubrifiants announced Rubia EV3R for heavy-duty applications, described as available for supply in Europe in 15W-40 and 10W-30 with multiple OEM approvals. If waste-oil regeneration targets tighten, TotalEnergies can use EV3R as a defensible premium story in workshops and fleets. The biggest risk is securing consistent re-refined feedstock quality at scale.

Leaders

Eni S.p.A.

Italy's Enilive retail network supports a broad route to workshop and consumer visibility, which matters when drain intervals and spec complexity rise. Enilive's first Sustainability Report highlighted services across around 5,300 stations in Europe, showing a large physical channel for branded lubricants and bundled maintenance offers. Eni's 2025 extension with Saipem for biorefining projects signals more low carbon feedstock optionality that can later support circular lubricant narratives. If circular content becomes a top tender criterion, Eni can integrate fuels, stations, and lubricants programs quickly. A core risk is dilution of focus if mobility investments crowd out lubricant specific innovation.

Established

LIQUI MOLY

2023 output constraints in Ulm pushed LIQUI MOLY to invest and expand capacity, which improves resilience when demand spikes around new specs. In its January 2024 update, the company reported 2023 sales of about EUR 917 million and planned further investments at Ulm and Saarlouis. In June 2025, LIQUI MOLY stated it had adapted several engine oils to be ready for API SQ, which helps workshops transition without coverage gaps. If ACEA sequences and OEM sheets keep multiplying, LIQUI MOLY can win where technical documentation quality drives workshop trust. The key risk is overreliance on DACH strength if broader Europe retail growth slows.

Established

LUKOIL

State backed pressure in Romania is a direct operational threat for LUKOIL's regional continuity and dealer confidence. Romania approved a decree allowing control of local assets of sanctioned firms, citing LUKOIL's stations and refinery footprint in-country. In Bulgaria, legislative steps enable government control of LUKOIL's refinery operations amid sanctions risk. If sanctions stay volatile, LUKOIL's best case is stabilizing Russia-adjacent demand while reducing exposure in EU member states. The biggest weakness is restricted access to OEM partnerships and cross-border supply financing.

Established

Repsol

Repsol's 2025 brand reset aims to differentiate its lubricants business with stronger identity, training, and digital tools for distributors. In March 2024, Repsol also announced new lubricant packaging using 60% mechanically recycled post-consumer plastic, targeting a claimed 25% carbon footprint reduction versus prior packaging. If fleet tenders start scoring packaging and circular materials more heavily, Repsol can package sustainability without forcing customers to accept performance tradeoffs. The key risk is execution strain from running many initiatives across regions while protecting service quality. Strengths include channel activation and mobility adjacency.

Established

Chevron Corporation

France centered additives footprint gives Chevron strong influence on how finished engine oils meet European test requirements. In 2024, Chevron Oronite began constructing an automated warehouse at its Gonfreville l'Orcher site, aimed at faster and more reliable logistics under tighter safety rules. The 2025 completion announcement reinforced a steady investment cadence for serving EAME customers without disruption. If ACEA and OEM test cycles accelerate, Chevron benefits because additive redesign is often the gating item for new claims. The key threat is regulatory uncertainty that delays customer reformulation decisions and creates demand whiplash.

Performers

Motul

API SQ updates in 2025 show Motul's ability to refresh passenger car oils as standards move, not just its motorcycle core. On December 17, 2025, Motul announced updates to parts of its 8100 ECO-lite range to align with API SQ and ILSAC GF-7. Motul also renewed its MotoGP partnership through 2030, keeping strong visibility in European motorcycle channels and dealer networks. If hybrid use pushes more stop start stress and deposit control requirements, Motul can sell premium protection without losing performance identity. The main threat is premium price resistance when low cost oils still appear "good enough" to some owners.

Performers

Neste

Nordic circularity is central to Neste's lubricant angle, especially where public fleets and retailers want lower fossil dependence. In February 2023, Neste introduced its ReNew lubricant family produced with renewable or re-refined base oils across Finland, Sweden, the Baltic countries, and Poland. This creates a clear fit with policy themes like waste oil recovery and lower lifecycle emissions, even when performance parity must be proven. If OEMs start endorsing more circular base oil blends, Neste can scale through brand trust in renewables. The key operational risk is feedstock availability volatility, which can constrain consistent formulation and pricing for workshops.

Performers

PETRONAS Lubricants International

Turin based teams keep PETRONAS Lubricants visible in European automotive culture, which supports retail pull even when specs get confusing. In September 2025, PETRONAS Lubricants International highlighted its Santena link and automotive innovation focus while returning to Salone Auto Torino, including a relaunch of the historic Selenia lubricant name. This kind of activation can matter as buyers move toward approved low viscosity oils and need clearer shelf navigation. If ACEA and OEM updates accelerate, PETRONAS can bundle training and tools through event-driven engagement. The main risk is uneven conversion from brand events into stable workshop volumes across Europe.

Performers

ADDINOL

Germany based ADDINOL has recently aligned several engine oil lines to API SQ and ILSAC GF-7, which supports thinner viscosity moves and stricter cleanliness needs. Regulatory pressure favors suppliers that can document test compliance quickly, yet smaller firms can face higher validation costs when OEM specs change. If EU circularity rules tighten further, ADDINOL could use fast reformulation as a growth lever in workshop channels. The main risk is margin squeeze when additive costs rise faster than list prices. Strengths include technical agility, while the weak point is scale in pan-European distribution.

Aspirants

Gazprom

Sanctions risk now shapes Gazprom's downstream reality in Europe, especially where ownership structures trigger restrictions. Serbia's NIS, majority owned by Gazprom Neft and Gazprom, sought U.S. sanctions waivers in 2025 to avoid supply disruption, which can ripple into lubricant availability and pricing. On the capability side, a 2025 update said Gazprom Neft moved toward a full cycle for automotive and industrial oils using a domestic component base, backed by its Omsk Lubricants Plant complex. If restrictions tighten further, cross-border channels may contract while Russia-first volumes remain. The critical risk is sudden trade and payment barriers that interrupt distributor planning.

Aspirants

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.

Japanese OEM roots matter for Idemitsu's credibility with precise viscosity grades and hardware-specific formulations. Idemitsu's group structure includes Idemitsu Lube Europe GmbH, which signals an established European operating base for lubricant activities. In fiscal 2024 disclosures, Idemitsu described R&D investment and a structured approach to innovation management, which can support faster adaptation to changing emission and efficiency rules. If European buyers shift more volume to hybrid-ready oils, Idemitsu can lean on OEM alignment to win targeted programs. The main weakness is limited brand pull in general retail channels versus entrenched European names.

Aspirants

Millers Oils LTD

UK performance specialist Millers Oils leans into low viscosity and mid SAPS formulations that fit modern European aftertreatment systems. Its C5/C6 0W-20 performance oil listing references API SQ and ILSAC GF-7A readiness, which supports buyers preparing for tighter deposit and LSPI control needs. This positioning can work well in enthusiast and specialist workshop channels where correct spec matching is a selling point. If fleet buyers move faster into ultra-thin oils, Millers could expand from niche fitments into broader service programs. The main risk is limited scale in pan-European distribution, which can reduce availability during seasonal demand peaks.

Aspirants

MOTOREX

Swiss racing partnerships drive MOTOREX's brand relevance in motorcycle oils, where shear stability and clutch compatibility drive repeat purchase. In March 2025, MOTOREX highlighted a new partnership with Sherco's racing teams, supporting product credibility through severe-duty use. In May 2025, MOTOREX also announced partnership activity around the FIM International Six Days of Enduro, reinforcing presence at key European riding events. If urban delivery two-wheelers keep growing, MOTOREX can convert racing proof points into commuter propositions. The critical risk is dependence on discretionary motorcycle use when consumer budgets tighten.

Aspirants

Phillips 66 Company

Owning a stake in MiRO anchors Phillips 66's European physical footprint in Germany, even as it reshapes retail exposure. Phillips 66 describes MiRO in Karlsruhe as Germany's largest refinery, with distribution reach into Germany, Switzerland, France, and Austria. In May 2025, Phillips 66 announced an agreement to divest a majority interest in its Germany and Austria retail marketing business, covering 970 sites, while continuing supply via MiRO. If service bays tied to fuel retail keep shrinking, Phillips 66 may need stronger lubricant channel partnerships to maintain visibility. The main risk is limited product innovation signaling in European engine oils versus dedicated lubricant specialists.

Aspirants

Ravensberger Schmierstoffvertrieb GmbH

2025 product refresh helps Ravensberger's RAVENOL brand stay aligned with new oil performance marks that influence workshop choice. The firm's 2025 news feed highlights alignment with the new API SQ standard, supporting modern engine cleanliness and protection needs. Trade reporting in July 2025 also noted a renewed API engine oil licensing position through March 2026, reinforcing compliance signaling across multiple categories. If European OEM specs continue to tighten around low ash and thinner oils, RAVENOL can win where documentation is as important as marketing. The primary weakness is narrower consumer awareness outside core Central Europe channels.

Aspirants

Valvoline Global Operations

Heavy duty endorsement from Cummins supports Valvoline's credibility with European fleet and mixed-duty buyers facing tougher emission system constraints. In June 2025, Cummins Europe described Valvoline Premium Blue 8600 15W-40 as recommended and endorsed globally by Cummins, with compatibility claims that include Euro 6 needs. Valvoline has also been linked to the GF-7 transition in 2025 coverage, which signals readiness for newer cleanliness and efficiency tests as standards evolve. If Euro VII timing and aftertreatment sensitivity raise the penalty for wrong oil use, Valvoline can win via clear fit-for-purpose messaging. The main risk is weaker retail pull in Europe versus entrenched household lubricant names.

Aspirants

Europe Automotive Engine Oils Companies: Leaders, Top & Emerging Players and Strategic Moves

Top 5 Europe Automotive Engine Oils Companies

Europe Automotive Engine Oils Companies Matrix by Mordor Intelligence

MI Competitive Matrix for Europe Automotive Engine Oils

Analysis of Europe Automotive Engine Oils Companies and Quadrants in the MI Competitive Matrix

BP plc

Exxon Mobil Corporation

FUCHS

Shell plc

TotalEnergies

Eni S.p.A.

LIQUI MOLY

LUKOIL

Repsol

Chevron Corporation

Motul

Neste

PETRONAS Lubricants International

ADDINOL

Gazprom

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.

Millers Oils LTD

MOTOREX

Phillips 66 Company

Ravensberger Schmierstoffvertrieb GmbH

Valvoline Global Operations

Frequently Asked Questions

Methodology

Analysis of Leading Europe Automotive Engine Oils Companies