An exclusive feature by MOTORINDIA
Indian customers’ expectations for better vehicle performance, whether it is a passenger car or a commercial vehicle, depend to a large extent on supply of world-class oils which ensure smooth running of engines for a longer period. A pioneer in long drain lubricants, Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd. (GOCL) of the Hinduja Group is a well-recognised brand in India. “With endurance as the key driver for sustainable growth, we are aiming to be among the top three lubricant companies in the private sector in India”, says Mr. Satyabrata Das, Vice President – OEM Business Operation, Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd., in an exclusive interview to MOTORINDIA.
Headquartered in Mumbai, Gulf Oil is engaged in the manufacture of lubricants, greases and specialities for the automotive industry. Gulf Oil is among the top five private sector lubricant players in India today, with the Gulf brand being present in the country since the early 1920s.
The Gulf product range covers the entire spectrum of automotive and industrial lubricants and specialty products. Apart from lubricants, the company markets a range of automotive filters, car care products, as well as automotive batteries.
Many firsts
As a pioneer in lubricant production in India, Gulf Oil has many firsts to its credit. The company was the first to introduce long drain lubricants in the Indian CV industry. “In 2006, we were the first to introduce long-drain oil in India – Gulf Superfleet LE Max 15W-40, with a drain interval of 36,000 km, a co-branded oil developed in collaboration with Ashok Leyland. Two years back, we, along with Ashok Leyland, launched an oil with a drain period of 80,000 km, which is still the largest in the country and stands testimony to the company’s R&D efforts”, says Mr. Das.
Besides, the company’s range of four-stroke motorcycle oil capable of achieving up to 10,000 km drain interval keeps it ahead of other competitors in the market.
Capacity expansion
Gulf Oil, had set up a state-of-the-art blending plant at Silvassa in 1995, with an annual production capacity of 75,000 metric tons, which is now being raised to 95,000 metric tons. With world class technology and its long-standing association with major vehicle OEMs like Ashok Leyland and M&M, among others, the company has been very successful in retaining a strong position in the market. In the CV aftermarket segment, it boasts of being in the second position on all India basis and the market leader in the southern region.
Brand Gulf, which has been growing in terms of positioning and visibility, plans to set up its second manufacturing facility, most probably in Tamil Nadu, in order to expand homogenously across the country. The company also has plans to go beyond the domestic market by catering to global OEMs with its range of products manufactured in India. With a constant focus on the brand building exercise through its brand ambassador, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the company hopes to garner a bigger market share.
Mr. Satyabrata Das who has been with Gulf Oil for several years, says: “Customers are relentlessly in pursuit of excellence, leadership & maximising customer satisfaction with their products & services. Gulf Oil, armed with the right technology, expertise and infrastructure, works closely with its customers to deliver superior ‘value’ to them & their customers. We believe it is our ‘Endurance’ in our products & processes that is a key enabler for our customers in their journey to reach the pinnacle’. Endurance that makes leaders!”