Total greases up expansion plans

Total Lubricants Middle East will open 10 to 15 rapid oil change centres in the UAE over the next two years, a senior official said yesterday.

Total's share of the UAE lubricant market is about 10,000 metric tonnes out of the 60,000 metric tonne market, said Alain Cleret, regional director, Middle East and Central Asia.

"Logistically we are not prepared to enter the Iraqi market for the time being. But when the situation is stabilised we will enter and follow the regulations of the country," he told Gulf News yesterday at the launch of their new Petrol Engine Oil Quartz 5000 SL.

Total Middle East and Central Asia supplies lubricants to the GCC countries, Syria, Jordan, Iran, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, said Cleret.

"Today, Total, with a strong customer base and its innovative approach to launch new products and technology, is poised to be a leading player in the lubricants industry of the Middle East.

"This new generation engine oil is designed to meet the latest API SL/CF and ACEA A2/B2 - 2002 international specifications. The product is now available in a newly designed and very attractive packaging and Total lubricants are among the first to introduce this product in the UAE market," he said.

"The new QUARTZ 5000 SL offers motorists the latest technological innovations and new product advantages. It is the top of the line mineral engine oil, devised by Total's research centres and meets the latest vehicle manufacturer's requirements, Cleret said.

"The development of Quartz 5000 SL engine oil for passenger cars has been driven by three key performance requirements: the desire for more robust engine oils that offer extended drain capability; improved protection of emission control system; and improved fuel economy. This product represents a significant improvement over earlier SJ level oils and is a new milestone in car engine oil technology.

"Total's Quartz range of lubricants comprises Quartz 9000 5W40 fully synthetic engine oil, Quartz Racing 1OW50 fully synthetic engine oil, and Quartz 7000 15WSO semi-synthetic multigrade engine oils. All the products are manufactured in their own state-of-the-art blending plant in Jebel Ali.

"The company recently changed their name to Total and adopted a new visual identity that includes new colours and a new logo. This change of name symbolises a unified Group, an attentive and responsive Group that cares about people and values bio-diversity and environmental protection and, more importantly, a Group driven by a shared ambition to satisfy its customers' requirements with superior, reliable and safe solutions".