TotalEnergies partners with Motor Parts Direct
TotalEnergies recently agreed a partnership with Motor Parts Direct – but what makes a strong partnership between supplier and distributor? David Valentyne, aftermarket sales manager at TotalEnergies Marketing UK, puts his case forward.
Workshops choose to purchase their parts and consumables from suppliers for many reasons beyond value. It can be convenience and proximity; it can be competitive pricing, particularly where buying group economies of scale can be leveraged; it can also be range of products and security that stock is available on demand.
But, all things considered, perhaps most important of all and what ensures customers keep coming back is trust. For you, I believe success hinges on providing workshops with reliable, high-quality products that encourage repeat business – making it vital to choose brands with a longstanding commitment to quality.
What are the hallmarks of a trusted lubricant?
As engine technology continues to evolve, OEM approvals and recommendations remain an absolutely critical consideration when purchasing lubricants. Workshops turn to you to get access to products they trust will meet the needs of the vehicles they are servicing, as well as comply with relevant regulations. The Quartz range from TotalEnergies, for example, has OEM recommendations and approvals, covering almost 100% of the UK vehicle parc.
Customers also need a high degree of trust in distribution and supply – with you requiring a consistent and streamlined service from product partners and suppliers which, simply, helps you move product from point ‘a’ to point ‘b’ at pace to provide a convenient service to workshops. Through our relationships with partners, like MPD, we know just how valuable it is for our network that they can rely on TotalEnergies. We are the only energy major to still have a lubricant blending operation in the UK; we deliver stable and reliable product supply at all times, even during ‘crisis’ periods in the supply chain.
Why innovation builds trust
For over 100 years and powered by our heritage at the cutting edge of motorsport and vehicle performance, we have been dedicated to research and development, ensuring that products meet industry standards – often exceeding them. And, by extension, help you and your customers effectively maintain the latest generation of vehicles and engines.
By prioritising the latest technological advancements and forging strong partnerships with OEMs and the best additive partners to produce the finest products at competitive prices, we consistently bring lubricants to the aftermarket, often being first-to-market with solutions that meet the latest specifications.
Our Quartz lubricant range stands as a testament to this; having undergone decades of refinement and development to deliver performance for vehicle owners, and across vehicle types – from those with combustion engines through to hybrids and EVs.
This includes sustainable products, which are increasingly being sought after by the aftermarket, such as our Quartz EV3R range. EV3R is our re-refined base oil product, rigorously tested to ensure it meets industry standards and can perform as well as, or even better than, virgin oil products.
Brand recognition and customer confidence
When partnering with a supplier – of lubricants or, indeed, other products – brand and the value added services that category leaders can provide helps to turn trust into long-term loyalty.
We provide our partners a range of benefits, including access to an online portal (MyLubPortal) to manage the relationship end-to-end, as well as high-value promotions and brand assets.
Meanwhile, we continue to support our factor customers in adapting and evolving their businesses to stay competitive and resilient amid economic challenges, such as rising costs, environmental regulations, decarbonisation and alternative-fuel vehicles. Initiatives, like our Fit for the Future Award, help navigate these changes.
