Engen Petroleum, a leading producer and marketer of fuels, lubricants and oil-based products continues to set the pace in the drive to reduce vehicle emissions.
Two years have passed since the company was first to market in South Africa with the introduction of Air1, the world’s top AdBlue brand.
“Despite a lag in more stringent emissions legislation for trucks and busses operating on South African roads, the on / off road AdBlue business is growing steadily in sub-Saharan Africa,” says Sydney Brückner, Business Manager: Emission Fluids at Engen.
AdBlue is used in conjunction with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) units in exhaust systems. This reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in diesel engine exhaust gases, which is in line with more stringent emission regulations introduced in other parts of the world.
The green agenda
Brückner says South Africa is committed to reducing CO2 and NOx gas emissions. The local energy industry, including the bus and truck transport sectors, has been identified as a key contributor to reducing emissions into the atmosphere.
“The modern diesel engine has become a highly sophisticated piece of machinery that is very far removed from its original design. Today many Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) continue to focus on increasing power from smaller engines while also needing to adhere to more stringent environmental laws that require these engines to be extremely clean burning and fuel efficient,” adds Brückner.
Currently, transport emission legislation in South Africa only requires diesel vehicle compliance with Euro 2 emission standards. Despite this, a growing number of automotive OEM’s have already introduced passenger cars, buses and trucks meeting Euro 5 and 6 emission standards into the South African market. This is in anticipation that South African emission limits will tighten in the near term, which will have a major bearing on the road and off road sectors.
Brückner says: “It is encouraging to note that an increasing number of major fleet operators across South Africa have adopted strong green practices.
South African Customers and the markets we serve are becoming more and more serious about sustainability and green products that are better for our environment.
As Engen we are strategically positioned to provide solutions that match these changing market requirements.”
One stop shop
As the only major oil company operating in South Africa to offer AdBlue, Engen is the one-stop shop for fleet operators, privately owned vehicle owners including off-road equipment operators seeking a product that offers to lower emissions from the vehicles or the equipment used.
“At Engen we believe we have an obligation towards bringing environment friendly products to the South African market. Engen AdBlue or Air1 the brand name it is known by reduce the level of pollutants by up to 90% in the exhaust gases of vehicles. The product is non-hazardous and safe,” says Brückner.
“AdBlue is a natural fit to the Engen business and shares a common product platform with other Engen eco-line product offerings such as low-sulphur diesel and low-SAPS [sulphate ash, phosphorus and sulphur] lubricants,” adds Bruckner.
AdBlue, (Air1) is available at a number of Engen’s service stations, Engen truck stops and at select Engen reseller customers across South Africa. This gives local OEM’s the flexibility to introduce the latest technology vehicles into the South African market.
South Africans with vehicles using AdBlue have peace of mind in sourcing an approved quality AdBlue® product from Engen that meets and satisfies ISO 22241.
“Irrespective of whether or not South African vehicle owners have heard of AdBlue or the Air1® brand, the chances are that they may soon be driving vehicles that require it,” Brückner says.
Economies
While modern diesel vehicles fitted with SCR systems are an additional capital investment, fuel savings should cancel out this extra expense over time, he adds.
Diesel consumption is approximately 3%-5% less depending on the type of engine and the work it does. The AdBlue® tank, which is normally fitted adjacent to the diesel tank, would typically require filling every time drivers refuel with diesel.
What is the Engen Customer promise?
- 100% customer satisfaction
- Access to a basket of eco-line products (low sulphur diesel; low-SAPS lubricants & AdBlue®
- Absolute quality assurance
- Reliability of bulk deliveries to bulk dispensers/ tanks
- Top tier technology offering and dispensing equipment loaned to trade to provide on-site capability to dispense product without the risk of a spill
Blue is the new green
The introduction of AdBlue into the Engen product portfolio is a major step forward in Engen’s ongoing environmental drive, demonstrating its commitment to a more sustainable future growth path, says Bruckner.
Notable predecessor programmes include Engen’s own bulk fuel transport fleet replacement initiative, which focuses on models that run on low-sulphur diesel and meet the Euro V and VI emission standards.
“Engen will continuously strive to provide product solutions that match changing market requirements,” says Bruckner.
