Yeah our diesel and gasoline has way more sulfur than European fuels. In Canada we also have that nasty MMT - contains manganese.
I would imagine that in parts of the world that have crudes very high in sulfur, such as South America, the fuel sulfur issue would be critical.
According to the Helm Shop Manual for my 2000 GMC Sierra, the emissions controls are only shipped on trucks going to Europe.
The trucks shipped to the Mid East, Central America, and South America are designed to run on crappy fuels: no O2 sensors, no catalytic convertors, no EGR. The PCM is calibrated to run in Speed Density programme.
The supplier for Toyota oils probably changes yearly. Unless Toyota is willing to publish who their supplier is, like Toyota Australia, it would be the low bidder who meets the oil spec.
Motorcycles are a different beast, as the oil is shared between the motor and transmission. Mobil does offer a synthetic just for motorcycle use that claims to be better for the transmission, synchros, clutch, etc.
Long story short, I still believe in matching my viscosity to my climate and engine load. That's what they do in other parts of the world.
Jerry
