TP&T launches own brand, after 56 years as Pennzoil distributor

Thai Petroleum & Trading Co. (TP&T) is launching its own brand of lubricants called Pulzar, after its license to distribute Pennzoil-Quaker State products in Thailand expires on August 1. The company was a licensed distributor in Thailand for 56 years. Royal Dutch Shell bought and merged Pennzoil-Quaker State, the United States’ largest motor oil maker at that time, nine years ago. Shell has decided to gradually phase out the Pennzoil-Quaker State brand globally, limiting the Pennzoil brand to North America only, where it once shared the top spot with market leader Quaker State. Pennzoil then acquired Quaker State, which was later acquired by Shell. TP&T’s Managing Director Sompop Tingthanathikul expects first-year sales of Pulzar to reach 1 billion baht (US$33.6 million). The company has 1,300 outlets. “We believe aggressive marketing and promotion will help our sales to grow at least 15% per year, outstripping average growth of the local lubricant oil industry at about 5% annually,” said Sompop. (July 28,2011)