A look at the newly launched Pro Fleet 10W-40 diesel engine oil by Valvoline Cummins. Valvoline Cummins Ltd, one of India's fastest growing lubricant company rolled out the Pro Fleet 10W-40 Diesel Engine Oil (DEO) at IMME 2010 held in Kolkata. This ultra high performance diesel (UPHDEO) oil exceeds latest ACEA , API and major OEM performance requirements and also provides extra long-drain oil refreshment period. “As opposed to conventional engine oils, the Pro Fleet 10W-40 is a long drain engine oil and drain can be extended by three to four times depending on the respective OEM recommendations,” says Suresh Kalra, General Manager, Commercial and Industrial, Valvoline Cummins Ltd. The product was launched by Saumya Jain, Owner – Saumya Mining Ltd, a mining contractor based out of Kolkata. “Saumya Mining has a large fleet of Daimler trucks and Valvoline's Pro Fleet 10W-40 comes with recommendation of Daimler,” says Akhilesh Mishra, Segment Manager for Mining and Construction, Valvoline Cummins. The company also showcased Premium Blue 15W-40 CI4 Diesel Engine Oil, transmission oils like 85W-140, 80W-90 conforming to GL 5 norms and super clean hydraulic oils of various viscosity grades at the IMME. Salient features Pro Fleet 10W-40 ensures superior engine performance resulting in lower general operating costs thereby enhancing economic productivity. It also has the capability to handle very high levels of soot. This enhances the engine life considerably thereby reducing maintenance costs. It provides excellent viscosity control, ideal for long drain and severe duty applications. The product is ideal for the latest Euro IV as well as Euro V emission norms compliant vehicles. The pricing of Pro Fleet 10W-40 is done in such a way that there is great economy between paying a premium for this new product and the attendant benefit of extended drain, thus lowering change costs and higher productive time. It would be initially targetting the expanding fleet of Mercedes Benz and Scania trucks in India though it can be used in variety of different models too. Valvoline Cummins is amongst the first players in India to introduce this product. The Indian market is still 15W - 40 market while Valvoline is introducing the advanced 10W-40 product,” adds Kalra. Twice as nice! Commenting on the joint venture between Ashland Inc, USA and Cummins India Ltd, Kalra further says, “Our JV is unique and has run for twelve years now. We work together very well and are one of the fastest growing lubricant companies in India.” The advantage of a lubricant maker and engine maker teaming up together is hugely revalent. “Cummins is an expert in engines while we are experts in making lubricants. We know what new technology is coming into engines before anybody else knows and that stands us in good stead as we know changes we have to make in our lubricants,” Kalra explains. Core focus The Gurgaon-headquartered company has a presence in all the lubricant segments including engine oil, transmission oil, hydraulic oil, gear oil, greases and retail products like MCO, PCMO, DEO etc. In addition Valvoline has specialty lubricants and rust preventives in its product portfolio. About 60 per cent business of Valvoline Cummins come from the retail market while about 30 per cent comes from segments like powergen, construction, mining and other industrial applications. The remainder business - from OEMs sales and exports. “We are confident about maintaining the status of the fastest growing lubricant company in India and record high double digit growth in both revenue and volume. In fact we have outlined a clear growth map till 2014 - to be the clear No 2 foreign brand in India and a credible challenger to the No. 1” - Kalra could not have been more emphatic in his confidence and the way Valvoline has performed in the last few years, it seems his confidence is justified. (Communication by the management of the company)