Shell was named the number one global lubricants supplier for the fourth-consecutive year in an annual research study by Kline & Co., Shell officials announced. Shell Lubricants grew its 2009 global market share to 13.4 percent from 12.7 percent in 2008 despite the economic recession. In all, worldwide lubricant demand declined 8.4 percent last year, according to the report.
"Kline's research shows that despite very challenging market conditions, Shell has continued to outperform the lubricants market as a whole and maintain our global leadership position,” said Chong-Meng Tan, executive vice president for Shell Business to Business and Shell Lubricants. “I believe this is the result of a consistent strategy that focuses squarely on customers, as well as leading technologies delivering differentiated products that add value for clients."
According to Kline, the impact of the global recession was less severe in the Asia-Pacific region, which continued to show the most robust growth on a volumetric basis. Shell achieved strong growth in China and also has established itself as a leading player in developing markets, such as Indonesia.
The United States was the largest national market in terms of lubricant volume consumed but was among those most impacted by the economic downturn, according to the report. Shell managed to grow its domestic position, despite the market trend.
Among key market indicators, Kline said technological expertise will increasingly become an important differentiator for lubricants suppliers.
Kline published its findings in a report titled "Global Lubricants Industry 2009: Market Analysis and Assessment, 2009-2019."