Total – 100 Years of Oil Production Tradition
The history of the Total brand dates back to 1924, when the President of France, Raymond Poincaré, established the national petrochemical company *Compagnie Française des Pétroles* (CFP – French Petroleum Company). Ernest Mercier became its first president, and the company was tasked with extracting and refining crude oil for transportation and industrial needs.
The company leveraged access to oil reserves in French colonies in Africa and the Middle East, quickly becoming a major player in the industry. In 1954, CFP introduced the Total brand for its fuel stations in Europe and Africa, later expanding to the US in the 1970s.
In 1985, the company rebranded as Total CFP, and the Total brand expanded to include engine oils, gear oils, and automotive chemicals. Another rebranding occurred in 2021 when the company became Total Energies, reflecting its commitment to broader energy markets. Today, Total is the world’s third-largest petrochemical corporation, behind ExxonMobil and Shell plc.
Total Oils and Chemicals for Your Car
The automotive industry remains one of Total’s most significant business sectors. The company’s products are tailored to the specific requirements of vehicle systems and standards set by major manufacturers, such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and BMW.
Total engine oils are available in a full range of viscosity grades, allowing you to select the perfect oil for your vehicle. If you need oil for a modern engine with direct injection, the advanced synthetic oils from the Quartz series are an excellent choice. These products are suitable for large premium engines and downsized units, providing protection against corrosion and wear for both petrol and diesel engines. They also feature detergents that prevent deposits and are compatible with engines without particulate filters.
The company also produces oils for other automotive components. Total gear oils are designed for manual and automated transmissions, including the latest dual-clutch systems. For automatic transmissions, Total ATF oils offer exceptional quality.
Total played a significant role in the development of Citroën’s hydro-pneumatic suspension system, creating the LHS and LHM fluids used in its operation. As a result, Total LHM oil is the original and recommended fluid for this suspension type.
Total Oils – Quality from an Industry Leader
As one of the largest companies in the industry, Total has immense resources to develop its products. Innovations and new additives that improve oil performance are often introduced first in brands like Total.
Total oils and chemicals are premium products that excel even in the most demanding engines. Thanks to partnerships with automotive manufacturers, Total oils are aligned with the latest technical advancements and automotive design trends.
The product line is not limited to new passenger cars. Total offers mineral oils for older engines and semi-synthetic oils ideal for commercial, delivery, and heavy-duty vehicles. The brand also provides oils for agricultural tractors and construction machinery engines.
With its wide range of products, cutting-edge solutions, and quality assured by one of the world’s largest companies, choosing Total oils means peace of mind for your vehicle.