It has been four months since Motul entered the Asian market and, last fortnight, it launched its lubricants in India. Motul India has introduced IPONE to India, bringing the French premium lubricant brand’s blend of performance engineering and bold rider culture to a fast-evolving generation of motorcyclists.
Motul specialises in the formulation, production and distribution of high-quality lubricants that elevate performance across multiple uses, from powersports to passenger cars, as well as heavy-duty and industrial applications. Motul has pioneered synthetic oils with its flagship 300V, the first 100 per cent synthetic multigrade lubricant. Building on this long-term know-how, Motul is now extending its expertise to motorcycle and car care products, as well as advanced fluids for the thermal management of electric vehicle batteries and digital infrastructures, such as data centres, to address the performance and sustainability challenges of tomorrow.
Founded in 1853, Motul is a global company present in 160 countries. Over the years, the brand has built a solid reputation as a trusted partner to support the performance of leading manufacturers, top motorsport teams and major championships, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the WEC, MotoGP, Dakar, Goodwood or the UCI Mountain Bike World Series.
“This is not merely the introduction of a new product range,” affirms Nagendra Pai, CEO, Motul India & South Asia, Motul. “Inspired by Japanese culture, a 100 per cent motorcycle engine oil brand, IPONE has entered the Indian market as a premium lifestyle choice for young riders who seek the perfect blend of style, speed and performance, breaking the traditional perception of engine oils. This new range arrives backed by the industrial authority and pioneering legacy that have made Motul the global standard for performance. Taking its architecture from the judo belt progression system, the collection maps each tier to a specific level of riding intensity – from the everyday commute to the competitive track”.
Pai has built the company’s global authority on the science of performance lubricants. “The premium and synthetic oils alone account for a quarter of our sales, and that foundation is non-negotiable,” he adds. “As a leading player in the category, we see a strong shift towards younger riders who are passionate about adventure riding, off-roading and performance-led experiences. IPONE launch sits at the intersection of two things we are deeply committed to: bringing the best lubrication technology to market and premiumisation that is meaningful, not cosmetic”.
“To support this, Motul’s distribution network, both offline and online, has gained strength, giving IPONE the reach to meet these riders wherever they are,” Pai contends. The collection is structured around four distinct tiers, each designed for a specific kind of rider.
• Black Belt: A racing range led by Shogun, this flagship product, as well as the entire range, is inspired by Japanese DNA, focusing on maximum protection for high-performance riding. Notably, Shogun has consistently proved its worth in high-speed competition as a trusted partner of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
• Blue Belt: It is a sports range, fully synthetic oil engineered for superior engine output, on the road and off. Built for riders who demand top-level performance without compromise.
• Green Belt: Advanced range semi-synthetic formulations, they are designed for versatile, everyday use and built for riders who want reliable engine protection at the best value.
• Yellow Belt: Standard range effective oils, they come at an accessible price point. Efficient, effective and built for riders who expect quality at every level of the range.
“Today’s young riders choose brands that reflect both their performance expectations and their identity,” says Milind Acharya, CMO, Motul India & South Asia, commenting on the new range. “With IPONE, we are bringing Indian riders a brand that combines advanced PAO and Ester-based lubrication technology, with a bold and distinctive personality. Beyond performance, IPONE stands apart through its Japanese-inspired visual identity and rider-first approach. The belt-based product system further simplifies lubricant selection, making it more intuitive for riders across different segments. IPONE will initially be launched across six core and fourteen key markets, with digital-led campaigns playing a central role in building engagement with the target audience.”