In a time of economic uncertainty, fleet managers are tasked with the difficult challenge of increasing productivity while reducing costs.
As Australians embark on one of the toughest years in financial history, Shell is encouraging fleet managers to review their maintenance routines and oil products to ensure they are getting the best value for their spend.
Many Australian fleet managers remain with the same oil for long periods of time, irrespective of price and quality.
A recent study undertaken by Shell showed that 45 per cent of surveyed fleet managers using more than 5,000 litres of oil per annum had been using their current brand for more than six years.
The study also indicated that 45 per cent of those fleet managers based their purchasing decisions on long-standing relationships rather than value for money and quality oil (23 per cent)[1].
Commenting on the study, Mike Anderton, Shell’s Transport and Industry Marketing Manager Lubricants Division says, “As we begin a new financial year, it’s important that fleet managers look to suppliers that can provide the best value and service to ensure they increase fleet up-time while reducing costs.
“At Shell, we’ve been working hard to develop the new Shell Rimula range, which includes Shell Rimula R6 LM, designed to increase oil-drain intervals in order to improve fleet efficiency," he says.
"When combined with our technical and business support services, our aim is to provide fleet managers with the optimal mix of quality and service.”
The new Shell Rimula range contains Shell’s Energised Protection adaptive lubricant technology, which adjusts physically and chemically to changes in the engine delivering lasting protection in the toughest conditions.
The range, which is tiered from Shell Rimula R3 to R6, is designed to provide increasing levels of engine protection against acid corrosion, wear and build up of deposits — leading to longer oil drain intervals.
Shell’s study also found that almost all fleets were less than 10 years old (97 per cent), which indicates that products must be developed to provide protection to both newer and older fleets.
Shell Rimula products have been developed to meet the needs of next-generation engines, and will help to prepare for future changes in operations, providing added security for fleet managers looking to upgrade vehicles.
“Shell Rimula R4 L helps prolong the life of sophisticated catalyst and exhaust filters found in Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions compliant trucks and also meets the performance requirements across US EPA 07 compliant trucks and Japanese engines," Anderton adds.
"Shell will continue to respond to consumer demand to maintain a high-quality lubricants portfolio."