Castrol, a global lubes manufacturer and marketer, has appointed Qatar Fuel (WOQOD), a downstream energy marketing and distribution company listed on the Doha Securities Exchange (DSM), as the authorised distributor of its renowned automotive brands range of mineral, semi-synthetic and fully synthetic oils for the State of Qatar. The deal confirms Castrol's market entry in Qatar, the sixth GCC country penetrated by Castrol after Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.
Under the agreement, Qatar Fuel (WOQOD) will be distributing Castrol's automotive brands across its network of state-of-the-art forecourts equipped with first-of-its-kind quick lubes facilities. WOQOD will also distribute Castrol in high street lubricants outlets & also supply to Commercial & Franchise workshop accounts.
"Our association with a globally acclaimed brand is testament to Qatar Fuel Woqod's groundbreaking service levels and overall offering quality and speaks volumes of our appeal as the partner of choice for standard-setting brands," said Mr.Nasser Ibrahim Fakhro Director of Operations of WOQOD.
"The deal will immediately bring a series of tangible consumer benefits including wider choice for top range, high-performance lubricants and will open the market to more competition, which keeps product quality standards to high levels," Mr. Nasser added.
"This is a strategic breakthrough deal with one of the world's most reputed lubes manufaturer and marketer and gives WOQOD customers access to a wide range of high quality products that are universally endorsed as first-fill choice by global automakers such as BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Land Rover, Jaguar, Ford, Aston Martin and Volvo," Said Mr. Mark Vidler, Marketing & Retail Manager at WOQOD.
The Castrol brands to enter Qatar include SLX, Edge, Magnatec, GTX, all designed to outperform conventional products by enhancing engine reliability and performance.
"Castrol is synonymous with premium quality, high performance and cutting edge lubrication technology. As a world leading lubes specialist we heavily and continuously invest in innovation in order to develop groundbreaking products that perform under the most challenging and arduous environments and conditions," said Mr. Omer Dormen, BP Lubricants Director, Middle East & Iran.
"WOQOD is the most appealing proposition for Castrol as it possesses the quality of outlets, the high service levels and facilities, the blanket geographic reach, marketing expertise and sound management, all ingredients that are in par with Castrol's brand strategy and commercial aspirations," he added.
Commenting on entering the Qatari market, Mr. Brian Hunter, Country President for BP Qatar said: "Qatar has a five star, blue chip economy - the fastest growing in the region and with the highest GDP per capita. Motorists here are sophisticated and there are many high quality vehicles - people here care about performance and what they put in their cars. That's why it is great to launch Castrol, the world's most advanced automotive lubricants, in Qatar today. Castrol lubricants are liquid engineering specialists and have a great fit with all caring motorists and vehicle owners here."
With over 100 of automotive lubricants leadership in 150 markets worldwide, Qatar is an addition to our portfolio, but a very important one as the country today is one of the world's fastest growing economies with an ever increasing number of potential for Castrol heavy duty and commercial customers.
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About Qatar Fuel "Woqod"
Qatar Fuel "WOQOD" is a downstream energy marketing company established by Emiri Decree in Qatar in 2002. WOQOD is a public share company listed on the Doha Securities Exchange and since its formation has achieved profitable growth with first 9 months profits for 2008 of QR 755 million.
Today WOQOD distributes gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels from its depot in Doha through a fleet of more than 200 road tankers. Bitumen in imported and distributed to road contractors and LPG is distributed to cylinder and bulk customers. In 2006 WOQOD started to import Heavy Fuel Oil for the marine industry and today owns and operates 6 fuels and bitumen product vessels.
About Castrol:
Castrol in the Middle East: The business has over 60 years experience in the region and additionally manages Iran, Levant & Southern Africa markets. The business services more than twenty countries from the Dubai headquarters. Castrol makes a range of engine oils & other ancillaries, which deliver high quality performance.
For further information please contact:
Cynthia Darwish,
Associate Account Manager,
GolinHarris, Dubai:
+971 50 216 3352
Aya Yassein,
Senior Account Executive,
GolinHarris,
Dubai,
+971 50 544 0997
© Press Release 2008
