Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd. has agreed to supply motorcycle engine oils for Bajaj Auto – a step, Gulf hopes, toward carving a position in Indias two-wheeler lube market.
In an Oct. 26 press release, the lubricant company said it will manufacture and distribute genuine oils for Pune-based Bajaj, Indias second-largest motorcycle maker.
Gulf, a unit of Indian conglomerate Hinduja Group, said it will make 10W-30 and 20W-50 genuine oils that will be marketed under the Bajaj DTS-i product name. Bajaj recommends them for several models of motorcycles, including CT, Platina, Pulsar, Discover, Avenger and V.
This association, our first OEM tie-up in the two-wheeler segment, will help us grow further in the motorcycle oil segment, where we already have a strong presence in the bazaar and also provide a platform to increase the reach of Bajaj Genuine Oil in the markets, Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd. Managing Director Ravi Chawla said.
GOLIL has grown to rank among the 10 biggest lube suppliers in India. Two years ago Chawla said the company was hardly a player in the two-wheeler market but had decided to target it as a growth opportunity. The agreement with Bajaj calls for the genuine oils to be sold through the original equipment manufacturers dealership network, along with bazaar outlets.
Gulf said it will also use a network it is developing in Indias rural areas. India is the worlds second-largest market for motorcycles, mopeds and scooters. Analysts expect annual sales in the country to continue growing but to shift from urban to rural areas.