Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive industry in the Eastern Cape are serviced by the FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA branch in Sidwell, Gqeberha. “Volkswagen is a global customer, which underscores the importance of the sector,” comments Branch Manager Jimmy Anthony.

FUCHS boasts IATF 16941 certification, a common automotive quality system requirement based on ISO 9001:2015. “OEMs require reliable product supply and back-up for their 24/7 assembly lines,” explains Anthony. Gqeberha branch has an 800 m2 warehouse and maintains its stockholding on a four-month aggregate basis.

Lubricant technology for the automotive industry is evolving due to alternative fuels, new technologies, sustainable exhaust gas treatment and extended replacement intervals. FUCHS has products for cars, trucks, commercial vehicles and even motorcycles.

These include engine oils, gear oils, central hydraulic or power steering fluids, multifunctional oils, service fluids and biodegradable lubricants. From developing the world's first 0W-20 engine oil in 2000 to the world's first special fluid for transfer cases with wet clutches and MB-APPROVAL 239.41 in 2021, namely TITAN TCF-1, innovation is key.

Having started his career in the lubricants industry in 1989 when he joined Century Oils William Penn, Anthony started out in metalworking thanks to his strong engineering and technical background. He relocated to Port Elizabeth in 2019 as Branch Manager, overseeing growth in the region. FUCHS is currently also exploring downstream opportunities in the automotive industry supply chain.