TOTAL pushing for a US presence?

[tam92]

I've noticed the TOTAL sponsorship in the US has increased recently. They are now an official sponsor of the Grand Am road racing series. I also noticed a large TOTAL sign near left center field of the Texas Rangers baseball stadium.

The US TOTAL website doesn't have any news regarding new or increased distribution, but I'm wondering if they'll be pushing for a presence in auto parts shops and the like.

Anyone know anything else about this?

 

[fdcg27]

If Total is bothering to engage in brand promotion in this country, there is a good chance that a wide entry into the US DIY or bulk motor oil market is being contemplated.
This would be nice, as more choice is always welcome, and Total would no doubt offer some killer MIRs to build brand awareness and use.
It would be fun to bring a new brand into my stash and my cars.

 

[JHZR2]

They are. They now have a fuel and lubricant presence in the Virgin Islands and I know their tech support is in NJ.

They took over the Esso stations in the VI.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: fdcg27
This would be nice, as more choice is always welcome,

+1

Finally there'd be some easily to find alternative to M1 0w-40 and GC.

 

[TomYoung]

I welcome them and will use in my 911

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
This would be nice, as more choice is always welcome,

+1

Finally there'd be some easily to find alternative to M1 0w-40 and GC.


Can't say Ive seen any specialty oils around. Mainly Total alternatives to the more standard stuff. Likely due to what the market will handle though... IMO it will take time for the high end stuff to break the domestic US market... But its all my speculation.

 

[fdcg27]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
This would be nice, as more choice is always welcome,

+1

Finally there'd be some easily to find alternative to M1 0w-40 and GC.


Can't say Ive seen any specialty oils around. Mainly Total alternatives to the more standard stuff. Likely due to what the market will handle though... IMO it will take time for the high end stuff to break the domestic US market... But its all my speculation.


As with SOPUS?
We all know that they offer various Euro-spec oils under their various brands that you'll never see on a parts store shelf anywhere in this country.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: fdcg27
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
This would be nice, as more choice is always welcome,

+1

Finally there'd be some easily to find alternative to M1 0w-40 and GC.


Can't say Ive seen any specialty oils around. Mainly Total alternatives to the more standard stuff. Likely due to what the market will handle though... IMO it will take time for the high end stuff to break the domestic US market... But its all my speculation.


As with SOPUS?
We all know that they offer various Euro-spec oils under their various brands that you'll never see on a parts store shelf anywhere in this country.

True. The Euro oils don't sell in large quantities, so most oil manufacturers would rather stock the shelves with the stuff that does sell, such as popular grades of PYB and PP in case of SOPUS. I can't really blame them.

 

[JHZR2]

Exactly. And in the Caribbean where they are making their entry, it's mainly diesel oils and their standard excellium line (which shares the name with the gasoline they sell at fuel stations).

 

[artificialist]

Here in Bradenton, Florida, one of the major bulk oil distributors uses conventional Fina 10w30, and you can order Total Quartz synthetic from him if you need a synthetic.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
This would be nice, as more choice is always welcome,

+1

Finally there'd be some easily to find alternative to M1 0w-40 and GC.


Perhaps but it's all about price. Honestly it's like nobody can compete with M1 and their Euro oils. Castrol is a close second but their OEM agreements hamper them.

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted By: BMWTurboDzl
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
This would be nice, as more choice is always welcome,

+1

Finally there'd be some easily to find alternative to M1 0w-40 and GC.


Perhaps but it's all about price. Honestly it's like nobody can compete with M1 and their Euro oils. Castrol is a close second but their OEM agreements hamper them.


Yeah, M1 is best for the buck. I mean, to get that kind of oil for $6.54 in Wal Mart is really a DEAL!
Since I bought CC, I used once M1, second oil change I used GC.
After 5,500 miles on M1 I did not need to add a drop of oil.
I have 1000 miles on GC, no consumption also, although, it seems that GC is more quiter and that engine runs easier. Maybe just subjective feeling.

 

[dparm]

They have a large US office.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_Plaza

 

[JHZR2]

But their tech folks are in NJ. Ive been on the phone with their tech line before.

 

[nolesfan]

I've never found M1 0w40 in Walmarts here, only at auto stores. I've used Total in the past, and when it was still Elf. Good oil, performed well, no consumption in 5k OCIs. The only downside (sort of, but no deal breaker) was that I'd have to order online. Fortunately the shop I order from charges cost for shipping, so it wasn't too bad. 5l jug for less than $40.

 

[UG_Passat]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
But their tech folks are in NJ. Ive been on the phone with their tech line before.


...yes... out of Linden, NJ

 

[Solarent]

They're expanding aggressively in Canada; a warehouse just moved in down the road from my office and I have been picking up Quartz 9000 0w40 at the local parts store since last year.

 

[MI_Roger]

I've been using Elf, then Total, oils for over 5 years. I buy it at a local Import Auto Parts store and their oils are usually less per liter/quart than Mobil-1 at the discount retailers - unless someone is having a big sale.

Total Quartz Energy 9000 in 5W/40 weight for one car and 0W/30 weight for the other. Their 5 liter jugs are great for the car requiring 0W/30 since it has a six liter sump.

 

[ledslinger]

Originally Posted By: dparm
They have a large US office.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_Plaza


I saw their warehouse/office/plant while riding the train from Newark to Princeton. You can see their facility on satellite on google maps.