Japanese Automotive Manufacturers: Savior of the Lubricant Industry in the EV Era

KatadataOTO – The development and adoption of electric vehicles have been growing this year. Throughout 2024, various Chinese manufacturers have entered and enlivened the Indonesian automotive market, bringing in BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles).

Meanwhile, Japanese automotive manufacturers seem to remain focused on other alternatives besides cars, such as hybrids.

This has a positive impact on other industries like lubricants. Because amidst the flood of electric cars in the country, oil companies are said to still be experiencing an increase in sales.

“So far, for the last three years, (oil sales) have continued to rise, even though the market declined last year,” said Werry Prayogi, President Director of PT Pertamina Lubricants, when met in Jakarta on Monday (10/03).

Photo : Antara

The presence of Japanese automotive manufacturers can be said to be the savior of the lubricant industry in the era of electrification. This is because the majority of brands from the land of the rising sun present hybrid cars or other options besides electric cars.

Meanwhile, most Chinese brands are bringing in electric vehicles that no longer require engine oil.

“On average, Japanese products prioritize hybrids and hydrogen. Perhaps (because of) their resources,” said Werry.

In the future, Werry is optimistic that the lubricant industry will continue to grow. Because gasoline-engine cars and hybrid technology will still be the main choice for people when selecting four-wheeled motor vehicles. 

For your information, several Japanese automotive manufacturers have chosen to focus on alternatives to electric cars for several reasons.

Aside from the price aspect, vehicles like hybrids and PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles) are considered suitable for the transition from conventional to pure electric vehicles.

Both types of vehicles do not need to be continuously charged; they still consume gasoline but are claimed to have better fuel efficiency than conventional cars.

Photo : KatadataOTO

“BEVs will grow in the future. But HEVs, PHEVs, and other conventional engine cars, including those already sold, will remain mainstream for the time being,” said Kazuo Yamamori, Project Manager of the Electrification Material Engineering Division at Toyota Motor Corporation, on the same occasion at Le Meridien.

For your information, Toyota offers many hybrid vehicle products in Indonesia. Ranging from the Yaris Cross Hybrid to the Kijang Innova HEV.

The two models above have also met the requirements to receive hybrid car incentives from the government, making their prices more competitive.