Originally Posted by MParr
It's basically a club oil companies join. In return for their membership dues, they get a snazzy logo to put on their oil containers.
If I am being asked to produce a modern engine that is (1) powerful, (2) economical, (3) reliable, (4) eco friendly, (5) doesn't require frequent oil changes, and (6) I'm supposed to cover it with a long warranty, then I should be able to specify what lubricant to use in it, IMO.
Basic API specs haven't kept up with modern engine lubrication demands, so engine manufactures took matters in their own hands, and I don't blame them.