Europe / English
Africa / English
France / Français
Latin America / Español
India / English
APAC / English
US / English
An interview with Timur Pankov of AMSOIL.
As General Manager, Business Development Europe, Timur Pankov is helping to drive the growth of AMSOIL on the continent. We sat down with Timur to learn more about how and why AMSOIL is growing in Europe.
What is Your Favourite Thing about AMSOIL and Selling AMSOIL Products?
Pushing the limits of performance has been part of AMSOIL culture from the start, and AMSOIL history is a checklist of industry firsts. All the money and time AMSOIL spends testing in labs and in the field is for one purpose – to deliver maximum protection and efficiency for every mechanical component that uses our products.
One very important part of a great company is a key team of people working toward the same goal. At the heart of this company is a strong team culture and a relentless commitment to deliver the highest-quality products.
What are Some Benefits Your Distributors Have Experienced Selling AMSOIL Products and How Has It Helped Their Overall Business?
AMSOIL is a strong and well-recognized American brand that introduced the world’s first API-qualified synthetic motor oil in 1972 and maintains a full line of unique products that are widely valued. Becoming an AMSOIL distributor is not only about selling high-performance products; it’s also about being able to cater to the constantly evolving industry standards and end-use requirements. The AMSOIL corporate headquarters, manufacturing plant, chemical and test laboratories in the U.S. ensure our international distributors are at the top edge of lubricant technology. A dedicated international team provides a full range of distributor, customer and technical services, while our regional warehouse facility located in the Netherlands keeps pace with the ever-increasing demand for AMSOIL products in Europe.
Of course, as in any business opportunity, you need more than just the right products to succeed – you need the right team. Teamwork makes the dream work. I know the success some of my distributors have enjoyed has been boosted by the assistance AMSOIL provided through tailor-made technical training or financial solutions.
What Excites You Most About the Market in Europe?
Automotive lubricant distribution in Europe is a highly competitive business that is going through a period of active transformation and has experienced, along with the Europe’s economy, some major shocks recently. Ongoing innovations and breakthroughs in the automotive industry – including extending the life of engines, decreasing carbon footprint, providing low-viscosity engine oils to enhance fuel economy and changing vehicle-pollution criteria established by various European countries – are affecting the market. Europe is home to millions of car and motorcycle enthusiasts who want the best protection for their equipment and demand premium products and services. With its range of products, AMSOIL is perfectly placed to satisfy these needs.
Who Makes a Good Distributor? What Do You Look for In A Distributor?
It’s important that our international distributors are knowledgeable about their markets, experienced in sales and marketing, and have the financial stability to properly act as our representative in their territories. AMSOIL is a premium product that requires premium service. Our products are not designed to be put on sale at the grocery store for the cheapest price possible. It’s important that the end user receives technical expertise and makes an informed decision when choosing AMSOIL to ensure the highest level of protection for their equipment. There is no such thing as “instant success;” patience and focus on long-term goals are key for AMSOIL distributors and are the values that we share.
What Kind of Support Does AMSOIL Provide Distributors?
From day one, AMSOIL will help lead you on a journey to give you the greatest chance of success. From product training to social media support to marketing assistance and technical advice, our commitment to distributor success is evident in the 88 international distributors located around the world. The network of distributors also supports each other with cross sharing of ideas and social media content. We truly pay attention and care about our emerging markets. We have even launched products based on demand specific to certain markets. The impetus to create them came directly from our local in-market distributors and many of those products have now seen global success.
If a company is interested in becoming an AMSOIL distributor, what should it do next?
If you’re interested in distributing AMSOIL products, fill out the form here and our representative will contact you (Become a Distributor – AMSOIL INC.).