TotalEnergies looks at sustainable vehicle maintenance

TotalEnergies Marketing UK Business Development Manager, David Valentyne, believes that demand for sustainable vehicle maintenance products is growing, so by offering the right lubricant, you can deliver environmental and commercial benefits to your workshop customers.

While the ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars has been moved back to 2035, the transition to EVs remains a key pillar of the government’s net zero policy. This delay may allow garages more time to adapt to a shrinking pool of ICE vehicles, but it doesn’t mean they can’t or shouldn’t be adopting sustainable principles today. Indeed, it is a commercial and environmental imperative that they do so.

As automotive businesses across the board look to become more sustainable – driven by regulation and market forces – there is a knock-on effect on the demand for vehicle maintenance products. Right across the automotive supply chain, down to consumer drivers, there is growing demand for products that are environmentally friendly and can help to increase vehicle lifespans (saving on the carbon cost of scrappage) and optimise performance (reducing emissions).

By considering the purchasing patterns and vehicle needs of the driver, you are well positioned to help businesses and technicians choose the right lubricants for their customers’ vehicles.

The growing demand for sustainable vehicle maintenance products

A recent survey from TotalEnergies found that 89% of UK vehicle owners consider sustainability when making a purchase for their vehicle. This points to a growing ‘bottom-up demand’ for you to cater to sustainability awareness and demand in the engine oils, lubricants and additives you supply to technicians.

Furthermore, the survey found that 65% of UK car or van owners would accept paying a higher price for vehicle maintenance products if they delivered environmental or sustainability benefits, which has positive bottom line implications for both technicians and factors.

Within this, the most common consumer product preferences when it comes to sustainable vehicle maintenance products are those that extend the lifespan of the engine and those that improve fuel consumption. Given mounting cost-of-living pressures, it comes as little surprise that consumers are leaning towards sustainable product features that also lower long-term maintenance costs.

What you can do to meet consumer demand

As trusted partners to the industry, you have a vital connective role in providing stability of supply, market visibility, brand support, and access to the latest product innovations.

You can play an important – and lucrative – part in meeting the growing demand for sustainable vehicle maintenance products by supplying automotive professionals with access to engine oils, lubricants and additives, which have been formulated to provide sustainability advantages, catering to the needs of vehicle owner and manufacturer requirements.

Extending the lifespan and efficiency of the engine

Whether sustainable in their product features, efficacy, or materials, there is an ever evolving and increasingly sophisticated range of vehicle fluids available that are both optimised for vehicle performance and end-consumer sustainability preferences.

Engine oils formulated with high levels of antioxidants and detergents help to prevent sludge formation and wear and tear, while those with low viscosity can reduce friction and improve fuel efficiency. Engine additives designed to reduce friction and improve lubrication are also beneficial, as are fuel additives to clean the fuel system and improve combustion to reduce emissions.

You can assist technicians by advising on anticipating and meeting vehicle maintenance pain points through smart, tailored product recommendations.

In order to save consumers money on fuel and reduce their environmental impact, you could consider a high performing engine oil that can reduce fuel consumption while ensuring the best protection for engines; for example, the new generation Quartz range of engine lubricants from TotalEnergies enhance engine cleanliness – and boost engine protection – while also improving fuel efficiency. Not only can these cut fuel costs and reduce emissions, but they also improve engine performance and lifespan.

Reformulated products

To reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill and to conserve natural resources, engine oil manufacturers are constantly evolving their formulations to ensure environmental and performance priorities are addressed in tandem.

You could prioritise products which feature low SAPS technology – as found in TotalEnergies Quartz Ineo lubricants – to optimise post treatment systems and reduce pollutant emissions, especially particulate filters. New advances in research and developments have also heralded in lubricant formulations which use sustainable, biodegradable sources that are able to break down naturally in the environment.

Smart packaging

Manufacturers are increasingly using smart packaging in their vehicle maintenance products – biodegradable, compostable or recyclable materials, for example – to lower carbon consumption across every touchpoint of their product lifecycle.

Quartz Box (above) – TotalEnergies’ ecoefficient packaging solution – uses 86% less plastic and recyclable cardboard to help workshops reduce waste, improve efficiency and minimise the overall environmental and carbon footprint of essential lubricant products.

The demand for sustainable vehicle maintenance products is growing rapidly. You can play a vital role in meeting this demand by stocking a wide range of sustainable products, educating technicians about the benefits of these products and supporting the industry as it continues to accelerate its transition to net zero.