New Delhi : The second edition of the CII Indian Commercial Vehicle Conclave came to fruition, bringing together key industry leaders and experts to deliberate on the future strategies for the commercial vehicle industry in India. Mr. Sandeep Kalia, Managing Director of Valvoline Cummins & Mr David E Turcotte, VP, Global Technology, Valvoline Global Operations among the esteemed speakers at the event, offered valuable insights into the evolving mobility sector and the crucial role of the auto lubricant industry.
India is the 7th largest Commercial Vehicle manufacturer in the world, accounting for around 3.5% of the global CV production, has emerged as a significant player in the international market. Notably, India is also one of the largest exporters of commercial vehicles, showcasing the country’s growing influence in the global automotive landscape. (Source: SIAM)
The commercial vehicle segment in India, often considered a barometer of a country’s economy, has been showing promising signs of growth. The Indian government’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, characterized by the rapid construction of new highways and expressways, has been instrumental in propelling the industry forward.
Mr. Sandeep Kalia, MD of Valvoline Cummins, shared his vision for the future of the auto lubricant industry and how it aligns with the ever-changing dynamics of the mobility sector at the CII Indian Commercial Vehicle Conclave. He said, “We at Valvoline Cummins, are deeply involved in various domains and ready to support the industry’s adoption of clean and alternate technologies. Our expertise in heat transfer fluids and fuel cells makes us a valuable partner for OEMs in achieving emission goals. While battery electric vehicles gain acceptance in passenger car and motorcycle industries, we recognize the need for different technologies in commercial vehicles. We discuss evolving fluid requirements and potential partnerships, showcasing our position to meet future product demands.”
Commenting on the journey towards clean & sustainable mobility Mr. David E Turcotte, VP, Global Technology, Valvoline Global Operations said “We’ve extensively tested our products in the engines and are confident that we have the solutions ready for when Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine technology emerges. When it comes to fluid performance, our products contribute significantly to battery life, range durability, and improved emissions for both electric and green applications, setting us apart from traditional fluids. Driveline fluids, heat transfer fluids, and fuels will all play crucial roles as the industry evolves. Technical societies are already working on developing appropriate standards, and laws are likely to follow, especially in China. While the hardware is still evolving, we are ahead in developing fluids with the necessary characteristics.”
Furthermore, the rising demand for medium and small vehicles can be attributed to the robustness of rural demand and the flourishing e-commerce sector, which has sustained active consumption and retail growth.
As the industry embraces the evolving landscape of mobility, Valvoline remains committed to supporting its partners and customers with innovative lubricant solutions tailored to meet the needs of modern commercial vehicles. The company recognizes the significance of staying at the forefront of emerging technologies, comprehensive electrification, and alternative fuels to address the evolving demands of the industry.