Valvoline ready with lubricant products for EVs as industry expands in India

The 2020-21 fiscal year saw degrowth for several industries owing to the ongoing pandemic but now as markets inch back to normalcy, companies have had to adapt to some new ways of doing business. Plus, the automotive industry is going through a transition in terms of greener forms of powertrain and smarter tech for safety and convenience. Where does the automotive lubricant and additives industry which is a pivotal and rather unsung part of the machinery stand in the midst of these changes? Sandeep Kalia, Managing Director, Valvoline Cummins Pvt. Ltd. spoke about his views recently.

Q. Which segments does Valvoline Cummins attract the most customers from?

Ans. Valvoline is known as an Original Engine oil brand and has positioned well in the Diesel and Heavy-Duty category. Another factor of our dominance in the heavy-duty category both on-road and off-road is our association with Cummins which we are very proud of.

As a progressive step for the brand, we have started gaining ground in the consumer categories as well and the biggest growth pillar is motorcycle oil. We are increasing our foothold in the MCO category, and our current focus is to grow rapidly in the personal engine oil category.

However, the brand will continue to dominate the heavy-duty category because of the continuous innovation we have done over the last 20 years and will continue to introduce future-ready products as per the technological advancements in the industry.

Q. With the focus shifting to electric vehicles, what changes is Valvoline Cummins preparing for in terms of demand for automotive oils, additives & lubricants?

Ans. The Indian market is still very nascent as compared to Western markets, China, or Europe. Internationally, Valvoline has already launched a complete range of additives, lubricants and even antifreeze coolants for EVs. We have recently launched a full-blown product portfolio in China market. With regards to India, as the market grows and demands increases, we will be ready with our products.

Q. Valvoline has had a strong legacy in the automotive lubricants business. How is the company building on this history and what are the expansion plans in India?

Ans. We are known as the ‘Original Engine Oil’ because we have been innovating and breaking new grounds to create the finest quality engine oils and lubricants since 1866. From inventing one of the first engine oil about 150 years ago to creating futuristic products such as EV fluids much before the adoption of EVs, we are bu on our history b towards the future.

Valvoline always focuses on introducing new and revolutionary products to improve the quality of commute while keeping the world moving forward. We have emerged as one of the fastest-growing brands in the country and our aim is to continue that position and be a part of the top three multinational brands in the country.

Overall, we are targeting higher growth than the category average and we are strongly looking at growing at double-digit in the personal mobility category.

New product launches taking place in the coming months

We are a dominant player in the automotive lubricant market and launch products much ahead of time. To give you an example, with BS6 engines introduced, there will be new compliances to be followed and Valvoline has already launched CK-4 for the aftermarket, the newest diesel engine oil with all product compliances which can be used for the newest as well as older engines.

We are one of the only companies with DEF in our portfolio which completes the needs of any truck using BS4 and BS6 Engines. These modern technologies are expected to take over the automotive industry shortly and Valvoline is ready with plans and products.

We have BS6 compliant engine oils for not only heavy-duty but also light duty. Also, we are currently working on products for gensets or stationary engines according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s newest guidelines-CPCB 4. Under these norms, Stationary engines will require an up-gradation, a technology Valvoline is fully aware of and ready with the product.

As technologies come and go, we at Valvoline are ready to create and innovate new products which are industry compliant, up-to-date and keep the world moving forwards smoothly.