With introduction of BS VI emission norms from April next year, GS Caltex is already ready with its futuristic portfolio to meet the demands of the industry.
what is your expectation from the EXCON ’19?
Excon is the largest construction sector exhibition not only in India but in entire South Asia. Infrastructure sector is one of the key drivers of India’s GDP growth. Participating in such a big platform not only gives exposure to latest developments in technology in this sector but also allows organization like ours GS Caltex India to exhibit its superior technological developments and its preparedness to bring value to the entire ecosystem, mainly its customers.

What are the new product launches you have planned for Excon 19?
With introduction of BS VI emission norms from April next year, GS Caltex is already ready with its futuristic portfolio to meet the demands of the industry. We have already invested in developing our PAO based Kixx range (Kixx DX EURO 15W40– API SJ4) to meet future demands of the sector. Product categories meeting API CK4 and API FA4 standards are also ready for launch and will be in market as India moves to stricter emission norms towards BS VI. Apart from same, we have expanded for Hydraulic Oil portfolio to launch Long Life Hydraulic Oil ( Kixx Hydro HVL ) as well as Zinc Free Hydraulic Oil ( Kixx Hydro AF ) .We have also expanded our synthetic grease portfolio to focus on Hi Temperature Grease ( Therma 2 ) , Moly Grease ( Molytex 2 ) and Steering Grease ( Multifak EP2 ). This entire futuristic portfolio will be showcased during Excon 2019 .

How do you respond to the market, what are the USP of your products that allows you to stand tall?
Premium lubricating oils can help increase equipments operational efficiency and engine fuel economy, and help contribute to reduced energy and resource use, lower emissions, and cost savings for industrial equipment and machinery, as well as passenger and commercial vehicle engines.

GS Caltex Kixx Range Engine Oils high-performance synthetic engine oil can help increase engine efficiency and improve engine fuel economy, compared with other engine oil grades most commonly used.

GS Caltex Geartec branded synthetic driveline products can help in provideing outstanding performance as well as reduce mechanical energy losses.

GS Hydro HD Series of hydraulic oils provides quantifiable increases in hydraulic equipment efficiencies and output, resulting in the potential for reduced energy consumption and operating costs.

Looking at the market opportunities, what are your focus areas?
Our main focus area remains R&D activities which is the core strength of GS Caltex in developing product competitiveness for lubricants and polymers. GSC R&D facility is located near Seoul in South Korea which has developed many award winning lubricants to forge partnerships with major Global OEMs. Taking support from our global R&D , over the past few years, we have developed relations with leading construction and mining equipment manufacturers as a proof of our performance . This has contributed to our market position and guarantees the outstanding performance of GS Caltex products. Whether grease for bearings in vehicles and machinery, or hydraulic oils for all sorts of applications or engine and gear oils for all the vehicles operating on construction sites – GS Caltex is the single source for the world class lubricants.

In your view how the government policies can rejuvenate an ailing market for Oil & Lubricants?
Many companies may move on further investments on environmental friendly products or look for new opportunities. As lubricants industry is already walking in a tight rope with thin margins government’s push towards stricter environment norms would lead investment towards developing more fuel efficient and environmental friendly solutions. This is a space where GS Caltex can bring in immense value through its high performance Group III and Group III plus base oils which contributes towards a greener proposition than conventional use of lubricants. Apart from above government focus towards infrastructure development across sectors like mining, smart cities, rural development and urban mobility areas will boost demand in next few years.

Government has also taken several measures to boost liquidity to enhance better rotation of funds which is key issue plaguing construction equipment OEMs. We are hoping that recent down trend would pass away soon and we will get back into growth trajectory like past few years.

How do you see current market growing in the different product categories?
Both automotive vehicle growth and manufacturing sector growth will drive the lubricants volumes. After a decade recently both Indian manufacturing and automotive players faced reverse trend in past few months. But overall during the period 2018-2023 global lubricants market is expected to grow by 2.18 per cent, where as India will grow much faster than global average at the rate of 4.64 per cent. This reflects the potential growth in economy of India and we can relate same with GDP growth projections between 5 to 6 per cent in next few years.

Jayanta Ray, GM Industrial and OEM, GS Caltex India Pvt Ltd