Let's talk with Olha Yushchenko, director of the department “Automotive tools and power tools” networks“Epicenter“, about why buyers choose domestic products, whether there are problems with Ukrainian motor oils, and what awaits motorists in the near future.
How long has the Epicentr company been offering Ukrainian YUKO motor oils to customers?
YUKO engine oils appeared on the shelves of our shopping centers in 2015. At that time, the auto group goods had not yet separated into a distinct direction known now as “Automall“First, we looked closely at the needs of Ukrainian motorists, studying their preferences and expectations. We were always interested in cooperating with a domestic manufacturer in the field of lubricants. The “Yukoil” company is a modern manufacturer of high-quality oils, coolants, and lubricants from Zaporizhzhia. Its products, known under the YUKO brand, are in high demand abroad, so we were confident that the buyers of“Epicentr”she will like it too.
How often do customers in your stores choose YUKO products?
It is safe to say that YUKOIL lubricants are among the top three leaders among all domestic suppliers of auto group goods for the network “Epicenter“. Over the past two years, sales of YUKO motor oils have grown by more than 20% in monetary terms. Our customers’ confidence in Ukrainian products is growing. This is a wonderful result.
Why do you think there is an attachment to Ukrainian motor oils?
First with interest, and then with economy. There are buyers who purchased Ukrainian motor oils for the first time only during the quarantine. However, a large proportion are those who have been using YUKO products for a long time and have a positive experience. Buyers choose lubricants at Epicentr for very different needs.
What objections do Epicentr employees face when recommending Ukrainian oil?
“Why is Ukrainian motor oil cheaper? Buyers are genuinely surprised that a quality product can be sold at a reasonable price. While 6 years ago buyers doubted whether to buy Ukrainian motor oils or coolants, today more and more of our customers choose exclusively domestic products. This is a very good trend.
By the way, speaking of trends, how do you think buyer preferences will change in the coming years?
I don’t think we’ll see any significant changes. Consumers will increasingly turn to products from Ukrainian manufacturers because their quality is improving, they reach store shelves faster, and they’re less expensive. We expect YUKO’s share of sales to grow by another 20%–30%.
Were there any complaints about Ukrainian YUKO oils at Epicentr?
I cannot recall a single situation where a Ukrainian car owner came in with complaints about YUKO engine oils. This once again proves that the quality of the Zaporizhzhia plant's products satisfies our customers.
Which product from the wide YUKO range is in the highest demand?
It is hard to single out one favorite, as buyers have different needs. However, since the beginning 2021 year the largest sales volume of all-season semi-synthetic motor oil for cars equipped with LPG, YUKO SUPER GAS 10W-40 and in universal semi-synthetic oil YUKO SEMISYNTHETIC 10W40. I believe this is a good sign because Ukrainian lubricants have stable quality. And more and more of our customers can see this for themselves.
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