Advanced Lubrication Specialties Highlights Independent-Led Innovation with Launch of Sunoco Ultra Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF
Industry Product News — This article is based on information provided by Advanced Lubrication Services regarding the launch of a new Sunoco-branded automatic transmission fluid.
Advanced Lubrication Specialties (ALS) is announcing the introduction of Sunoco® Ultra Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid, a new formulation designed to address the growing complexity of today’s passenger vehicle transmission landscape. The product underscores a broader reality in the lubricants industry: impactful innovation does not always originate from the largest integrated oil companies. Increasingly, distributor-led and independent blending organizations—closely aligned with end-user needs—are helping shape the next generation of lubricant solutions. In partnership with one of the nation’s premier additive suppliers, ALS brings this “first-to-market” technology forward, positioned to reduce ATF application complexity and help installers reduce inventory while avoiding costly fluid misapplication.
“Installers and distributors are being asked to support more transmission types than ever, and the cost of getting it wrong keeps rising,” said David Fenderson, Vice President of ALS’s executive management team. “Sunoco Ultra Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF is formulated to simplify the decision at the point of service—without compromising performance—so our installed customers can reduce the risk of misapplication and operate their business with fewer transmission fluids.”
Sunoco Ultra Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF is engineered to cover approximately 99% of non-commercial, non-dual-clutch automatic transmissions in the U.S. market, offering a single, high-performance solution for both continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and traditional stepped automatic transmissions. This unified approach responds directly to the challenges faced by installers and distributors, who must service a rapidly expanding range of transmission designs while managing inventory complexity.
From a performance standpoint, the formulation delivers exceptional shear stability, a critical requirement for CVT applications where consistent steel-on-steel friction between belts or chains and variators is essential. At the same time, the fluid provides superior anti-shudder performance, enhanced wear protection, and robust hardware durability for stepped automatic transmissions, helping maintain smooth shifting and long-term transmission reliability.
“What makes this product different is the balanced performance across two very different transmission architectures,” said Gregg Thompson, Director of Technology, ALS. “ALS and our additive supplier focused on ATF shear stability for CVTs while also delivering anti-shudder performance and hardware protection for stepped automatics—allowing installers to inventory one premium fluid that confidently covers the vast majority of transmission applications.”
The product supports most major automotive manufacturers, including—but not limited to—Acura, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo, and ZF-equipped vehicles. A complete application guide is available online at http://www.sunocolubes.com, enabling service professionals to confidently match the fluid to specific vehicle requirements.
With the launch of Sunoco Ultra Synthetic MV ATF, ALS demonstrates its innovation and understanding of the distributor network and their customers. ALS is Sunoco’s global lubricant licensee with its primary route to market through a qualified lubricants distribution network. ALS combines local market expertise and customer proximity with access to Sunoco’s branded product portfolio, formulation resources, and technical support infrastructure. This model allows innovation to be informed not only by laboratory performance targets, but also by real-world service conditions and installer feedback.
The result is a product that bridges the gap between OEM complexity and practical field application. While Sunoco provides the brand strength, formulation capabilities, and national scale, ALS brings hands-on market insight—identifying where simplified, high-coverage solutions can deliver tangible value to customers.
In a market increasingly shaped by evolving transmission technology, tighter tolerances, and higher performance expectations, the launch of Sunoco Ultra Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF illustrates how innovation can emerge from collaborative ecosystems rather than from size alone. It is a reminder that some of the most relevant advances in lubricants today are being driven by organizations that sit closest to the point of service—where technology meets reality.
About Advanced Lubrication Specialties (ALS)
Advanced Lubrication Services (ALS) is a family-owned full-service lubricant manufacturer providing high-performance automotive, commercial, and industrial lubricant solutions to customers across its regional markets. Defining the Sunoco Lubricants distribution network, ALS combines the strength of a nationally recognized brand with local market expertise, technical support, and value-added services. The company supplies a broad portfolio of Sunoco®-branded lubricants and specialty fluids, supported by application guidance, equipment solutions, and responsive customer service. Through close collaboration with installers, fleets, and industrial users, ALS plays an active role in translating evolving vehicle and equipment requirements into practical, field-ready lubricant solutions.
About Sunoco Lubricants
Sunoco Lubricants is a leading manufacturer and marketer of high-quality automotive, commercial, and industrial lubricants, backed by more than a century of brand heritage and technical expertise. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of engine oils, transmission fluids, gear oils, hydraulic fluids, greases, and specialty products designed to meet the evolving demands of modern vehicles and equipment. Through a nationwide network of distributors, Sunoco Lubricants delivers consistent product quality, technical support, and application coverage across North America. Sunoco-branded lubricants are formulated to meet or exceed applicable OEM specifications and industry standards, serving professional installers, fleets, and industrial customers with reliable, performance-driven solutions.
For more information on Sunoco Lubricants or to inquire about becoming a Sunoco Distributor, contact David Fenderson, Vice President at dfenderson@advancedlubes.com .