Volume 1 Issue 6
Branding Gains Traction in India
February 11, 2014Lubricant marketers in India have begun working harder to cultivate positive images for their products. Analysts say suppliers are trying various strategies in attempts to build emotional ties with potential customers.
China Auto Sales Top 20 Million
February 11, 2014New auto sales in China topped 20 million units for the first time in 2013, solidifying the countrys status as the worlds largest market. Sales of new passenger cars and commercial vehicles rose 13.9 percent from 2012 to 21.98 million units.
Gulf Builds, Expands Blend Plants
February 11, 2014Gulf Oil Corp. Ltd. plans to construct a blending plant in or near Chennai, India. Officials say the business will also augment an existing plant in Silvassa, India.
Kunlun Grades Low on Deposit Test
February 11, 2014In a recent test by China Consumer Report magazine, Kunlun Tianyuan engine oil caused more engine-clogging deposits than four other leading synthetic motor oils sold in China. The Kunlun oil was the only one that did not meet industry-standard requirements.
Pertamina Lubes Stand Alone
February 11, 2014Pertamina plans to turn its lubricant business from an operating unit into a subsidiary this year. The Indonesian energy company wants to give the lubes business more independence.
Briefly Noted
February 11, 2014Spains Cepsa Lubricantes will enter the Chinese market with a five-year renewable agreement to supply lubricants through Spanish automobile distributor Berge Automocion to Auto Parts Sourcing International Service, part of Chinese industrial conglomerate SAIC. SK Lubricants operating profit fell 50 percent to 155 billion won in 2013, but parent SK Innovation, of South Korea, expects a rebound in 2014 with the opening of a joint venture plant in Spain.