Research firm Kline & Company has named Shell Lubricants the number-one global lubricant supplier for the fourth consecutive year. According to Kline’s research, stated in its Global Lubricants Industry 2009: Market Analysis and Assessment, 2009-2019 report, Shell Lubricants saw its global market share grow from 12.7% in 2008 to 13.4% last year.
That growth also widened Shell Lubricants’ lead over the No. 2 company to 2.5%. This despite, as Kline also reported, worldwide lubricant demand dropping in 2009-- falling 8.4% from 2008 levels to 35 million tons.
“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 vp for Shell B2B and Shell Lubricants.
“I believe this is the result of a consistent strategy that focuses squarely on customers, as well as leading technologies delivering superior products and services that add value for clients,” he added.
Shell’s growth was led by an 11% climb in market share in China. Shell holds 11.6% of the U.S. market, Kline noted.