Kia Motors Corporation and Total Lubrifiants, a leading manufacturer of lubricants and oils as well as assistance, oil analysis, training, and workshop services, have renewed their strategic partnership agreement by another five years.

Total will remain Kia’s preferred aftermarket lubricants supplier for Kia vehicles, said a statement from the company.

Total branded automotive lubricants will be exclusively recommended and available to customers across Kia’s service network of more than 5,500 dealers in around 180 countries, including West European markets from January 1, 2017, it added.

The extension of the initial cooperation, first started in 2011, extend benefits to all Kia vehicles owners and the company’s dealers. The Kia networks will receive access to high-performance Total Quartz engine oils, specifically developed to optimise the performance and reliability of Kia engines while also offering improved fuel economy benefits, it said.

The companies will also develop joint marketing service programmes aimed at increasing Kia dealers’ profitability, customer retention and customer satisfaction, said the statement.

Through this partnership, both the companies confirm their shared aim of strengthening their growing presence in the global marketplace and combining their strengths in an “alliance of skills” to developing high-quality products and services for an unrivalled Kia customer service experience, it stated.

Pierre Duhot, general manager automotive division at Total Lubrifiants, said: “We are delighted to extend our global cooperation with Kia Motors. This renewed partnership confirms our strong commitment to accompany Kia Motors over the long run in its continued global expansion efforts and to deliver innovative lubricants, recognised Total marketing expertise and dedicated aftermarket programmes to Kia dealers and customers.”

Steven Yoon, vice president overseas service division at Kia Motors Corp, said: “For the past five years, Total has demonstrated it has the worldwide coverage, strong marketing capabilities and high-quality lubricant technology to meet the needs of our service network.”

“Total will be a key partner for us in our global aftermarket strategy to enhance Kia customer and dealer satisfaction,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service