Polish consumers preferred Motul and Castrol as top brands of motor oil in 2024, followed by Liqui Moly, which staged the strongest rebound, reported to Polish automotive media.
Poland remains one of the largest lubricants markets in Central Europe, and shifts in consumer preference offer a snapshot of how suppliers are positioning themselves for growth while addressing the industry’s ongoing challenges.
Motul retained top spot with almost no change from its 2022 score of 78.9% in Drivers Choice’s annual survey of preferred favorite engine oil brands. Castrol climbed to second spot after a slight gain, overtaking Valvoline, which fell from runner-up to fifth. Liqui Moly jumped back to third, marking the sharpest improvement among the top 20 brands.
The result, based on the recent survey of 80,000 respondents in nine categories, contrasts with the one in 2022, when Liqui Moly suffered the biggest decline in the ranking and ended on the eight spot after losing more than 6% of support. That year, Germany’s Motul led the field, while its American and British competitors, Valvoline and Castrol, placed second and third. Petronas rose to fourth in 2022, while Mobil, Total, Shell, Millers Oil and Elf all held top-ten positions.
The latest results show Petronas losing ground from its earlier strength, while Mobil, Total, Shell, Elf and Orlen remain firmly established. Several other international and domestic brands continued to receive solid reviews, including Millers Oil, Fuchs, Selenia and BP. Even brands in the bottom five improved their scores compared to two years earlier, with some entering the top 20 for the first time.
The 2021 survey showed less volatility, with Motul, Valvoline and Liqui Moly firmly on the podium. Castrol, Mobil and Petronas followed, while Total, Millers Oil and Shell rounded out the leading group.
Industry observers note that these swings reflect both marketing strategies and broader demand trends.
“The Polish lubricants market is moderately concentrated, with the automotive segment dominating demand – especially engine oils, according to the latest report from the Polish Oils Industry and Trade Association.
“Rising vehicle ownership and stricter emission standards continue to pose the same challenge for oil producers: finding the optimal lubricant for cars that must comply with new regulations,” said Piotr Niemiec, coordinator in Orlen Oil’s technology department, in an interview with Auto Expert.