Indian Market To Favour Alternative Fuels Over Full Electric Shift: Sandeep Kalia, MD, Valvoline Cummins
In an exclusive interview with Sandeep Kalia, Managing Director of Valvoline Cummins, we delve into the dynamic landscape of the commercial vehicle industry, navigating through the currents of innovation, sustainability and global trends. Kalia shares the company's vision, addressing industry shifts, sustainability initiatives and their commitment to societal well-being. From groundbreaking lubricants promising fuel efficiency to impactful scholarship programmes, the conversation unveils how Valvoline Cummins is not only driving technological advancements but also steering towards a more sustainable and socially responsible future.
What’s your vision for the future of the industry in terms of innovation, sustainability and global trends?
In the realm of the commercial vehicle industry, the game plan seems to vary based on the published data from different researchers and categories. While electrification is gaining traction globally, the Indian market may witness a different scenario, possibly leaning towards alternate fuels instead of a full shift to electric vehicles (EVs).
To talk about the sustainability aspect, the government has rolled out various norms, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on plastic. The latest addition to these guidelines is the requirement for lubricant producers to incorporate 5 per cent of re-refined base stocks in their production from 1 April 2024.
Our focus on sustainability extends beyond business practices. Initiatives like the Muskan scholarship programme showcase our commitment to giving back to society. With approximately 2,400 students benefiting from the scholarship, the programme specifically supports those associated with the trucking industry, such as mechanics and drivers.
Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we noticed a common concern among this community - job losses impacting children's education. In response, we, in collaboration with an NGO, initiated efforts to fund the education of 1,000 children annually. Over the past two years, more than 50 per cent of the beneficiaries are girl children, reflecting our commitment to inclusive support.
Are there any new initiatives Valvoline Cummins is currently working on or planning to launch soon?
That's where we take immense pride in recently introducing a couple of products in the country, specifically tailored for motorcycle enthusiasts. One of our standout offerings presents a robust value proposition with an impressive 8 per cent fuel efficiency boost. This becomes particularly significant as we've observed the cost of petrol and diesel hitting the three-digit mark over the last two years, posing a considerable burden on common bikers and commuters.
Our groundbreaking technology takes the lead in the Motorcycle Oil (MCO) category, presenting a unique chemistry that delivers an 8 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency. This translates to the equivalent of getting every 8th or 9th day of fuel for free, or an entire month of complimentary fuel in a year.
This compelling value proposition is designed to alleviate the financial strain on consumers. Similarly, we extend a comparable offering to the community of passenger car owners. Recognising the common dilemma during service visits about transitioning to synthetic oils, where cost often becomes a deciding factor, we've launched a campaign aimed at easing this decision-making process.
Our approach ensures that we won't burden your pocket. We want your car to experience the best oil, and thus, we're providing fully synthetic oil at a cost nearly equivalent to that of a mineral oil. These two distinctive propositions in the personal category showcase our commitment to innovation and provide compelling reasons for any consumer to choose Valvoline Cummins.
What advice would you give to young professionals looking to succeed in the automotive industry?
I believe the consumer is the smartest on the road; they seek value in every product. Our endeavour is to keep the consumer at the center of product creation, product lines and marketing propositions. The key question is: "Why should I pay extra and what's in it for me?" Our innovation journey in the country has consistently revolved around keeping the consumer in focus. We aim to offer something unique without burdening their pockets, avoiding the need to convince them why we require more money.
