Just like the Paris International Agricultural Show, the Paris Motor Show has always been a key event on the French President's calendar. François Hollande kept up the tradition by inaugurating this year’s show on October 3. Accompanied by Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron, the President was eager to stop by the Total stand, where he was welcomed by Philippe Boisseau, President, Marketing & Services and member of Total’s Executive Committee.
Their tour and talk focused on Total’s initiatives to improve energy efficiency in the automotive industry. “Every year, €100 million from Total’s R&D budget is dedicated to enhancing the energy performance of our automotive products,” explained Philippe Boisseau. “The fuels and lubricants developed by Total improve efficiency by up to 7%.” He also pointed out the benefits of our involvement in Formula 1 racing, which became an even more valuable proving ground for Total technology with the introduction of new-generation hybrid engines.
Using 3D interactive animation, Mr. Boisseau went on to demonstrate how Total leverages its expertise to help the automotive industry reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions. On the Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE technology demonstrator, for example, the materials produced by Total’s specialty chemicals affiliates resulted in a 20% reduction in vehicle weight compared to the Peugeot 208 production vehicle.
Mr. Boisseau continued his presentation in front of an “Eco 10” animation, which promotes 10 best practices for reducing fuel consumption. He was joined by representatives from Total’s sustainable mobility partners Blablacar and Ouicar, two French start-ups that specialize respectively in car sharing and peer-to-peer car rental. As Mr. Boisseau pointed out, this type of partnership is tailored to meet our customers’ changing transportation needs. He concluded by making reference to Total’s 4,000 service stations in France and, at a time when the overall number of service stations is declining, he emphasized the importance of maintaining national coverage over the long term.
