Volume 2 Issue 4

Chinese Blenders Extend Their Reach

It is no secret that building an extensive sales network is essential for achieving significant sales in China, a massive yet highly fragmented market. However, is such a network enough? The answer probably is no for many Chinese lube suppliers, especially small and medium-sized ones.

Hanjin Sells S-Oil Stake

Hanjin Energy last week wrapped up the sale of its 28.4 percent stake in S-Oil Corp. to Saudi Aramco for 1.98 trillion won (U.S. $1.83 billion).

Klueber Expands in Qingpu

Sister companies Klueber Lubrication and Chem-Trend will expand their manufacturing facilities in Qingpu, China, parent Freudenberg Chemical Specialities announced last week.

Malaysia Upgrades Fuels

Malaysia has decided to mandate Euro 4 fuel standards by September 2015 and to progress to Euro 5 by 2020. Meanwhile, a requirement for fuels to contain 7 percent biodiesel was scheduled to take effect last week.

Briefly Noted

The Asia-Pacific region had the second-lowest per capita consumption of lubricants in 2013, Fuchs Petrolub Head of Global Competitive Intelligence Apu Gosalia told an industry conference in October. Asia-Pacific consumed less than 4 kilograms per capita per year in 2013, Gosalia estimated, compared to approximately 18 kg in North America. Only Africa has lower per capita consumption than Asia-Pacific. Malaysias UMW Holdings launched its first line of premium lubricants, marketed under the Grantt brand name.