Shell's Tech boss sees standards of China's lubricants rising over time.
Selda Gunsel Image: Shell |
On top of auto lubes, Shell is also focusing on its B2B segments, such as Marine, Aviation, Commericial Fuels and Specialities, according to Selda Gunsel, Vice President of Global Commercial Technology within Shell's Projects and Technology organisation in a recent interview with www.just-auto.com's Simon Warburton.
Previously based in Houston, Gunsel has relocated to Asia to oversee the development of a new lubes facility in Shanghai and help the Dutch major overcomme local challenges such as the development of mobility solutions and energy-saving initiatives for industrial customers.
Gunsel reported that Shell is focusing heavily on advanced surface coatings, which require different lubricant chemistries, as well as surface engineering. Her team is using lasers to change the surface of bearings, developing lubricants for use on textured surfaces.
Two large challenges Gunsel sees within the Chinese market are: educating consumers on the benefits of using high quality lubes to save money and reduce emissions; and strengthening ties with OEMs.