Presentation > Background

In 1957, the Petter AV.1 test for the evaluation of lubricants had become very much used in Europe. The Institut Français du Pétrole convened a meeting whereupon it was decided that an organisation should be formed to develop and fine tune test methods with the Petter engine. In 1958, this organisation was constituted in Brussels.

In 1961, the Institute of Petroleum organised an International conference in Brighton. It became apparent to a number of delegates that the co-operating activities needed expansion to cover all aspects of development of performance tests for engine fuels and lubricants, with the participation of the Automobile and Oil Industries, Equipment Manufacturers and users.

An association with an extended mandate, in response to the needs mentioned above, was created in Turin on 5 November 1963. The nations who signed the Declaration of Assent were: Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Great Britain.