Expert Insight: Paul Van de Ven on Texaco's Innovative Multi-Vehicle ATF Lineup

Texaco Lubricants recently launched a range of high-performance, multi-vehicle ATF (automatic transmission fluids) products, designed to offer broad compatibility and reliable performance for a wide variety of vehicles. The range comprises three distinct formulations – Texaco Multi-Vehicle ATF 2, ATF 3, and ATF 6 – each developed to deliver specific benefits for different transmission types and applications.

We spoke to Regional Product Line Manager for Texaco Lubricants in Europe, Paul Van de Ven, to find out more about the products, their benefits and applications.

Q. Why were the new oils developed?

A. The new product line, Multi Vehicle ATF 2,3 and 6, was developed to address the evolving requirements of automatic transmission fluids, aiming to cover a wide range of applications with a single fluid. The products are designed to support today’s challenging transportation requirements while also trying to reduce complexity, minimise the risk of misapplication and help make selection easier for the customer.

Q. Are the ATF products compatible with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) requirements?

A. The new range of automatic transmission fluids begins with Multi Vehicle ATF 2, which meets the technical requirements of GM Dexron IID, MB 236.20, Ford ESP-M2C166-H, Ford ESP-M2C138-CJ and GM TASA.

For Multi Vehicle ATF 3, the cold temperature viscometrics have been enhanced to comply with a maximum Brookfield viscosity of 20,000 mPa.s at -40°C. This formulation adheres to Dexron IIIH and Ford Mercon requirements.

Multi Vehicle ATF 6 is the ultra-low viscosity (ULV) version, with a kinematic viscosity of 6 cSt at 100°C, designed towards the Dexron VI specification, for use in modern 6-speed automatic transmissions and higher and is supported for a wide range of OEM applications. The technology underwent rigorous field testing over a distance of up to 150,000 kilometres without any ATF changes. Throughout the testing period, the ATF 6 fluid was analysed for viscosity loss, oxidation, and the presence of wear particles. Additionally, every 30,000 kilometres, a subjective shift feeling evaluation was conducted. Multi Vehicle ATF 6 performed comparable to the factory fill ATF from the beginning and throughout the entire field test. After testing was complete, a teardown of the transmission was performed to allow for a final hardware inspection.

Q. Are the new oils compatible with previous oils?

A. The products are formulated to minimise the risk of compatibility issues. From a workshop or fleet maintenance perspective, this simplifies logistics and inventory. One product line can effectively cover a broader range of vehicle requirements while also reducing the risks of cross-contamination or specification mismatch. It’s especially useful for top-up situations or partial drain scenarios, where fluid mixing is often unavoidable.

Q. To what extent does the ATF range support technicians and fleet operators in selecting the right oil and help to minimise the risk of misapplication?

A. The Multi-Vehicle ATF range is structured to make oil selection more intuitive while reducing the chances of using the wrong fluid. Each product in the lineup is clearly positioned for a specific set of applications, allowing technicians and fleet managers to quickly identify the right ATF based on vehicle type, age, and required performance specification.

• Multi-Vehicle ATF 2 is intended for older vehicles and secondary systems such as hydraulic circuits and power steering units, where the demands are lower and where cost-efficiency and utility are more important than the latest technology. 
• Multi-Vehicle ATF 3 is tailored for vehicles requiring a Dexron III-level fluid, which still covers a significant portion of older passenger cars, light trucks, and some commercial vehicles. It gives operators a reliable choice for legacy fleets. 
• Multi-Vehicle ATF 6 has been designed for modern automatic transmissions, including those with electronically controlled systems. Offering broad multi-vehicle coverage, the product helps to reduce inventory complexity and supports efficient workshop operations.

Collectively, the range is designed to meet technical needs and simplify day-to-day decision-making, especially in fast-paced workshop environments where the margin for error is small and time pressures are high.

Q. How is Texaco adapting to the increasing use of hybrid and BEV drives in the motor oil sector?

A. Texaco has introduced a dedicated product line – Texaco E‑Drive – designed specifically for the unique demands of electrified powertrains. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine oils, fluids used in hybrid and electric applications must contend with a new mix of thermal loads, electrical insulation requirements, and component protection needs.

The E‑Drive range includes Texaco E-Drive 45, a full synthetic, low-viscosity drivetrain fluid formulated for use in electrified vehicles, including hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV). It is designed to deliver high thermal and oxidation stability, copper compatibility, and reliable electrical properties – all critical for maintaining performance in modern electric and hybrid drivetrains.

The product is designed to perform in applications where a conventional automatic transmission fluid may not meet evolving technical demands. It helps to offer protection against wear, support durable friction performance, and ensure effective cooling and insulation in e-motor environments, making it suitable for e-axles, e-drive units, and electric transmissions operating under a wide range of load and temperature conditions.

By separating E‑Drive from its traditional lubricant portfolio, Texaco ensures OEMs can select fluids optimised not just for powertrains, but for how modern vehicles operate. It’s an evolution of lubricant design that reflects the broader transformation happening in mobility.

Paul Van de Ven holds a PhD in Chemistry from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, completing his thesis on combustion theory.  Paul specialises in both consumer and commercial automotive product lines and has worked in positions all over the world for the Chevron family of brands for over 34 years. 

Further information can be found on the Texaco Lubricants website or individual product data sheets.