BP is looking at investing £50 million in augmenting its R&D with an EV thermal management centre in the UK, hosted by Castrol global, said Sandeep Sangwan, Managing Director, Castrol India.
Previously, the Castrol Global UK centre was more focused on ICE vehicles; however, with this investment, the company intends to focus on EVs as well.
Speaking to Mobility Outlook, Sangwan said that the centre is expected to be completed within a year and a half. Interestingly, an Indian technology team will also participate in the R&D operations, providing requirements from India's e2W and e4W space perspective and benefiting from the EV fluids developed at the centre.
Besides, Castrol has recently announced a global partnership with Renault to supply EV fluids to the latter for its upcoming EVs in the European market.
Sangwan said that this global partnership will also benefit the lubricant company’s Indian counterpart when the EV model arrives in India.
Notably, the global entity of the company also launched its latest 'Castrol ON' range product range, specifically designed for EVs. Sangwan confirmed that the range of products will also find their way to India.
Apart from adding new products for the changing global automotive scenario, Castrol is transforming itself from a product company to a product & services company by getting into the aftermarket servicing front.
At present, Castrol India has around 200 Castrol Auto Services centres across 90 cities. The company is looking at expanding its reach to more cities, he added.
In partnerships with OEMs, Castrol India also launched several car care products, including wax polishing and brake chain fluids, and is looking to expand the range of products.
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