Total reveals ambitions for Chinese market

The French major continues to invest in high-end lubes for the growing market

Total SA is driving home the benefits of cleaner and more efficient mobility in China. Thierry Pfimlin, senior VP for corporate affairs, marketing and services, believes “sustainable mobility goes hand-in-hand with energy efficiency”, according to website ecns.cn.

The Total executive also claimed the French oil major was now focusing on providing energy through its efficiency policy of “commitment to better energy.”

Although the fully integrated company has historically generated revenue from retail fuel services, this market is closed to foreign operators in China. Therefore, Total is focusing on high-end lubricants for growth.

The oil and gas giant’s line of products are “highly recognized by the Chinese government and consumers”, claimed Pfimlin, highlighting the friction-reducing properties of its high-end lubes that also reduce pollution.

Pfimlin believes the company will double lubricants sales across the region over the next ten years, noting an average growth of 10-15% each year over the past five years. The company also opened its third blending factory in Tianjin last year.

Alongside its lubricants line, Total is also pushing new energy and hybrid vehicle solutions, as well as weight-reducing polymers also aimed at increasing fuel efficiency.

Meanwhile, Total (Tianjin) Manufacturing Co Ltd has entered into an agreement with CNPC to build the Asia Pacific region's first dedicated grease unit. The Tianjin Grease Emerging Resource Project (TIGER) will have a 5000mt capacity for grease products. On site construction is slated to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2015.