Story & Photo by Patrick P. Tulfo
PILIPINAS Shell clearly understands the changing needs of growing world of logistics and e-commerce nowadays, that’s why they introduced the newest member of their lineup of premium lubricants, the Shell Light Duty Range.
Launched during the PhilBus Truck Expo on July 25 in Pasay, Shell Rimula Light Duty is an oil variant that is specially formulated for commercial light-duty vehicles, such as pickups and light duty truck. The role of these workhorses was tackled in a lively panel discussion held during the launch event. The panelists include: Jesli Gloria, Transportify senior manager for Sales Operations; Martin Cu, Ninja Van Philippines country head, George Royeca, Angkas head of regulatory and public affairs; DJ Javier, technical manager for PH Lubes of Pilipinas Shell and Al Silva, product application specialist of Shell Global Lubricants.
During the panel discussion, the exponential growth of the online platforms such as Shopee and Lazada have pushed the e-commerce industry in the country to skyrocket in the last couple of years. The movement is predicted to reach record growth in the country’s e-commerce gross merchandise value (GMV) to the tune of $10 billion by 2025, that is according to Bloomberg intelligence. The predicted increase in customers demand and supply entails the need for a more functional logistics solution.
According to Shell Lubricants Marketing Manager Anthony Wee, “The rise of e-commerce globally has resulted in a similar growth in logistics operations as a crucial element that ensures product bought from online platforms are delivered to their buyers quickly and in excellent condition. This is where light-duty vehicles come in, they provide that crucial service of delivering products to their buyer,” he added.
Wee explained that certain driving conditions that light-duty trucks undergoes everyday such as constant starting and stopping may cause sludge buildup and eventually causes more wear on engine parts. Especially those that are operated in the busiest urban areas.
The slow movement of these light-duty trucks often results in “high engine idle.” And with the high demand of the online businesses they’re oftentimes forced to overload to maximize time and revenue.
Shell Rimula Brand Manager Recca Menchavez said, “Today’s light-duty truckers need a product they can rely on. Shell Rimula was designed to address this need.”
The secret behind Shell Rimula light-duty lubricants is the Dynamic protection plus technology which protects light-duty trucks in three ways. First, when the truck gets stuck in traffic, the technology in the lubricant offers a better protection of up 60 percent against wear and tear in constant stop and go situations. The antioxidants meanwhile prolong the oil life.
Dispersants on the other hand also help break down soot and deposit buildup for vehicles carrying variable loads. Shell’s Dynamic Protection Plus technology boast of improve engine cleanliness and 46 percent less carbon deposit.
“We are positive that these products will shed a whole new outlook to the business of logistics. But more important, we want this to be our driver’s partner-in-crime,” Wee stressed. “Because of this, the new range of products will come at an affordable price point.”
The new Shell Rimula Light Duty Range is set to available come August or September of this year.