Idemitsu Lubricants America (ILA) has reported that its SAE 0W-20 is the industry’s first engine oil to achieve the next-generation dexos-1 (known as dexos-1: 2015) approval through General Motors (GM). To obtain this distinction, ILA used proprietary technology to attain the required superior fuel economy and performance needed to meet and exceed GM requirements for current and future engine development.

To assist in meeting future emission regulations and increased fuel economy standards, GM and other vehicle manufacturers are adding additional technology to their engines that require more demanding oil standards. Idemitsu says that its 0W-20 has been designed to meet the accelerating demands of these modern engines. In addition, the company says the unique properties of Idemitsu’s 0W-20 provide superior protection for turbocharged engines and suppresses low-speed, pre-ignition events, which are becoming more common.

Idemitsu’s 0W-20 not only carries the new GM dexos-1: 2015 license, but also satisfies ILSAC GF-5 conditions, the company adds.

According to Idemitsu, consumers also will benefit with better gas mileage from the additional fuel economy realized with Idemitsu’s 0W-20 low viscosity formulation. Idemitsu’s 0W-20 had some of the highest fuel economy benefits seen in GM testing, the company claims. It took the company two years to meet GM’s stringent requirements and surpass the automaker’s exacting standards.

“Idemitsu focused on lower viscosity oils intentionally,” said Scott Rajala, senior chief engineer at ILA. “As with our Asian OEM customers, the U.S. OEMs are now beginning to focus on the potential fuel economy savings of lower viscosity engine oils. Idemitsu developed this innovative technology with the intention of being the leader in the OEM factory-fill market for fuel economy engine oils.”