History of Repsol Lubricants: innovation, global expansion, and top-level competition

The history of Repsol Lubricants is a story of constant evolution, marked by innovation, learning, and a strategic vision. All this has led us to turn our brand into a global benchmark, in a process in which the work of the professionals of the different teams of the company has been crucial.

From our first steps in 1927 to reaching more than 90 countries, we have evolved with a clear mission: to offer the best quality products that exceed the expectations of those who trust us. This journey not only reflects our growth as a company, but also our passion to improve every day.

Our origins: how it all began

It all began in 1927, when Campsa was created to manage the state oil monopoly in Spain. However, it was in 1951 when we launched a new range of lubricating oils under the Repsol brand, born from the hand of Repesa, our refinery in Cartagena. The letter "R" in our logo soon became a familiar symbol for Spanish consumers, marking the beginning of a special relationship that still endures today.

In 1987, we decided to adopt the name of our lubricant line as our corporate identity. It was a strategic decision that allowed us to connect with a wider audience and pave the way for our international expansion. The Repsol name was easy to pronounce in any language and conveyed trust, which helped us cross borders and take our brand to the world.

More than 50 years accelerating in top-level competition

From the moment we made our debut in the World Motorcycle Championship in 1971 with Derbi and Ángel Nieto, we knew that top-level competition would be much more than a showcase: it would be our laboratory. For more than five decades, disciplines such as rally, trial, MotoGP, and other motorsports have allowed us to test lubricants and fuels under extreme conditions.

Every victory, every challenge, and every learning experience in these competitions has helped us to improve our commercial products, because what works in the dunes of the Dakar Rally or on the trial circuits can make a difference in the day-to-day life of our customers. The most recent case is Repsol's return to the WRC in 2025, where it is collaborating with the Toyota Gazoo Racing Spain team.

The international leap: taking our passion to the world

In the 1990s, we began to explore international markets, exporting from our plant in Puertollano. Malta, Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, and Australia were some of the first destinations where we established relationships with local distributors, laying the foundations for something much bigger.

The year 2000 was a key year for us. With the creation of Repsol Lubricantes y Especialidades S.A., we were able to unify our divisions and professionalize our operations. In this way, we moved from a model based on personal relationships to a more structured one, which allowed us to grow in a more solid and efficient manner.

Growing together: new strategies and alliances

Although the Do It For Med (DIFM) model had already been adopted in Italy in the 1990s and later in Indonesia, it was in 2010 that it gained momentum, allowing us to manufacture our products locally in collaboration with strategic partners in countries such as Thailand, Turkey, India, Mexico, and Ecuador. This approach helped us to expand rapidly without the need for large initial investments, although it also presented us with challenges related to brand control and codifying our formulations to protect know-how.

Over time, we evolved towards a model of wholly owned subsidiaries. The company already had subsidiaries in Italy, Portugal, and Peru, and in 2015 opened in Brazil, followed by Mexico and Colombia. These divisions have given us greater control over production and marketing, strengthening our presence in key markets.

We have also committed to inorganic growth through strategic alliances. In 2018, we partnered with Bardahl in Mexico, and in 2019 we expanded our presence in Asia thanks to United Oil. More recently, in 2025, we acquired 40% of Unioil Lubricants in the Philippines, consolidating our position in Southeast Asia.

Looking ahead: innovation and sustainability

Today we are aware that the sector is changing rapidly due to issues such as electrification or sustainability, something that we at Repsol Lubricants see as opportunities to continue innovating. Our commitment to technical excellence drives us to adapt and lead this new chapter of history.

Everything we have experienced so far is a reflection of our eagerness to go further, to overcome limits, and to build a better future. And although we have come a long way, we know that we have to continue working with the same dedication and enthusiasm that has brought us this far, because there is always room for improvement and progress. Thank you for joining us on this journey!