1. Some statistical data on motor oils

1.1 French market

On the French market, automotive lubricants accounted for an average of 53% of total lubricants between 1998 and 2002 (table 1 ). The bulk (43-45%) of all lubricants are motor oils, including oils for industrial engines and aircraft engines. Having reached 60% of total lubricant consumption in the mid-1960s, French consumption of motor oils has long remained around 50% of total lubricant consumption. Since 1995, this percentage has been falling steadily, dropping to just under 45% from 2000 onwards (figure 1 ). Despite the increase...