How much do you know about Idemitsu, the leading lube manufacturers and supplies originating from Japan? Idemitsu has come a long way to become one of the world’s most trusted brands for lubricants. The founder Sazo Idemitsu took his first steps into the oil business on June 20, 1911, about 111 years ago, at the trading port of Moji in Kitakyushu.
Initially, Sazo Idemitsu began working as a distributor for Nippon Sekiyu. He soon developed coal mines, oil machines, and factories in the lubricating oil business. Idemitsu soon expanded its network to the entire island of Kyushu, Osaka, Nagoya and mainland China. Idemitsu also ventured into various related fields such as crude oil procurement, producing and retailing of petroleum products, oil resource development, petrochemical production and fossil fuel research.
Idemitsu has a research and development team that spends years trying to improve the quality of their products, making them environmentally friendly at the same time. Innovations include efficient energy creations such as the Daphe Hermetic PAG series for automotive air-conditioners, Polyvinyl (PVE) which is used as Traction Drive Fluid (TDF) and CVT (continuously variable transmission) in vehicles.
Besides that, Idemitsu offers a wide range of lubricating oils for both industrial and automotive use. For automotive use, the company built new technology such as low-viscosity engine oil that saves fuel. This also provides oxidation stability thus reducing the frequency of oil changes. The range of automotive lubricants under the Idemitsu brand includes petrol engine oil, diesel engine oil, 2T and 4T motorcycle, gear oil and even auto transmission fluid.
In addition to improving quality and diversifying products for market demand, Idemitsu still prioritizes social responsibility as a company in line with its human-oriented corporate philosophy.
Idemitsu in Malaysia
Idemitsu first established its presence in Malaysia back in 1991 as a subsidiary that markets lubricating oil. The company explored the domestic market to meet the needs of customers by applying the latest technology and scientific development in both the automotive industry and lubricating oil production.
Among the lubricating oil products created by Idemitsu is maintenance oil, metal working oil and grease. The automotive industry meanwhile received gasoline engine oil, motorcycle engine oil, diesel engine oil and transmission oil.
To further strengthen its position in the local market, Idemitsu has been actively involved in exhibition events to connect with consumers, customers and potential buyers. One of the successful exhibition participation is Malaysian International Machinery Fair (MIMF).
Idemitsu Malaysia is directly involved in the distribution of all lubricating oils through three headquarters that double up as factories in Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang.
Building the motorsports industry
In order to further strengthen its brand identity, Idemitsu Lube (M) Sdn Bhd has been directly sponsoring several Malaysian teams in motorsports. Among them is the company's collaboration with Honda in the Malaysian Cub Prix by forming the Idemitsu Honda Yam Racing team with a lineup of talented motorsports athletes such as Khairul Idham Pawi, Harith Farhan Baharin, Syariffudin Azman and many others.
Idemitsu is also involved in other sporting activities such as the Idemitsu Asian Talent Cup, collaborating with Boon Siew Honda Racing for the Asia Road Racing Championship, LCR Honda Idemitsu MotoGP, as well as being an official sponsor for the Sepak Takraw League and ATM Guardian, where Idemitsu sponsored a non-motorsport for the first time.
Learn more about Idemitsu Lube Malaysia at their official Facebook page.