ACEA engine oil grades
ACEA classification was adopted in Europe in 1991 to replace the CCMC system, working since 1972, and combined all requirements for the quality of motor oils, presented by the most influential and large representatives of the European automotive industry.
European auto oil quality standards are more demanding than the American ones, so it is not possible to compare ACEA and API specifications directly.
ACEA divides oils into 3 main groups:
- A/B – for gasoline or diesel-powered passenger car engines. Currently, there are 4 classes: A1/B1-04, A3/B3-04, A3/B4-04, A5/B5-04.
- C class is a new class that appeared in the classification only in 2004: for diesel and gasoline engines that meet modern stricter environmental requirements. Currently, the category includes 3 classes: C1-04, C2-04, C3-04.
- E – for the engines of trucks, running on diesel. Since the end of 2004, there are 4 classes – E2-96, issue 5, E4-99, issue 3, E6, E7.
The quality of engine oil in the categories is denoted by one number immediately after the letter, the higher the number, the higher requirements are set for the product. Also, often manufacturers specify two more digits, they indicate the year of introduction of the latest version of ACEA motor oil classes.
History of ACEA and What they stand for.
ACEA stands for the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Founded in 1991, ACEA represents the 15 Europe-based car, van, truck and bus manufacturers: BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler AG, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford of Europe, Honda Motor Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Iveco, Jaguar Land Rover, PSA Group, Renault Group, Scania, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, Volvo Cars and Volvo Group.
ACEA members sell around 45 million vehicles every year in Europe. They produce close to 50% of the continent’s passenger cars and trucks, and invest around €100 billion annually in research and development.
ACEA’s main goals are to promote sustainable mobility, to defend and strengthen the interests of its members at European level, and to ensure fair competition in the automotive industry. ACEA therefore works very closely with the European institutions, including the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The Association is also a regular interlocutor of the European Economic and Social Committee, as well as of various other European and international organisations. In addition, ACEA is an active member of the European Roundtable of Industrialists (ERT).
The Association strives to ensure that the European automotive industry can compete on a level playing field, both in Europe and globally. A key focus is therefore to work towards a business environment that encourages investment and supports innovation, while also ensuring consumer confidence.
ACEA also aims to promote sustainable mobility, which is essential for tackling the major societal challenges of climate change, air pollution and congestion. The automotive industry is a major contributor to the economy and employment in Europe, and ACEA members are committed to working together to ensure that the sector remains strong and competitive.
In order to achieve its goals, ACEA engages in a range of activities, including:
- Lobbying the European institutions on behalf of its members
- Providing input to EU policymaking through submissions of position papers and expert testimony
- Organising events and conferences on key topics of interest to the automotive industry
- Undertaking economic and statistical analysis to support the work of its members
- Communicating with a wide range of stakeholders, including the media, opinion leaders and the general public.
If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about ACEA, check out this blog on ACEA, watch the video below, and let us know what you think about the article.
Introduction to ACEA specifications.
