Valvoline Cummins, which is engaged in the production, distribution and marketing of lubricants, grease and other allied products in India, has launched an upskilling initiative for two-wheeler and heavy truck mechanics, christened ‘Bike Xpert’ and ‘Truck Xpert’ respectively.

The company says both programmes aim to develop and upskill the network of independent mechanic workshops and service providers, making them adept with knowledge of current and future technologies.

Valvoline has already outlined 30 two-wheeler workshops in association with its channel partners under the brand name of ‘Valvoline Bike Xpert’. The first set of Bike Xpert workshops have been launched in Delhi, Gurgaon, Patna, Pune and Coimbatore. There are plans to open 2,000 more over the the next 3-5 years across the country. The Bike Xpert workshops apart from providing preventative maintenance and breakdown repairs, the services also include timely reminders and customised benefits based on past vehicle history.

Meanwhile, the Valvoline Truck Xpert platform for heavy-duty mechanic workshops will impart training on the latest engine technologies including BS VI. For workshops that are a regular stop by for trucks, the Truck Xpert program will help the workshop partners learn about upcoming engine technologies, and detailed training on servicing and maintaining truck health.

Sandeep Kalia, MD, Valvoline Cummins India said, “Our aim is to deliver performance and superior quality which our customers across the globe enjoy. Our association with the prominent workshops in the different cities will help us develop a trained network of mechanics who believe in growing with Valvoline.”

Furthermore, recognising the transformation that digitisation can bring for the workshop ecosystem, especially for discoverability and retention, the company plans to list all the Bike Xpert and Truck Xpert workshops on an online search platform. A CRM application has also been developed for the partners enabling them to maintain a continuous relationship with their customer base.

Valvoline Cummins is a 50:50 joint venture between Valvoline International Inc, USA and Cummins India, the country's leading manufacturer of diesel engines.