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Origins (1853)

Motul traces its origins to 1853, when the Swan & Finch Company was established in New York, United States. During the rapid expansion of railroads, steam engines, and early machinery, Swan & Finch produced industrial and mechanical lubricants.

The Motul trademark existed as one of Swan & Finch’s lubricant brands before eventually becoming the company’s flagship international brand. During the early 20th century, Motul products began expanding beyond the United States into European markets.1

Expansion to France

In 1932, French distributor Supra Penn, led by Ernst Zaugg, obtained the rights to distribute Motul lubricants in France.

By 1957, Supra Penn had acquired the Motul brand and transformed it into the French company now known as Motul S.A. This acquisition marked the transition from an American-origin lubricant brand into the modern French lubricant manufacturer recognised today.3

Motul has built its reputation by introducing several industry-first lubricant technologies.

1953 – Motul Century

Motul introduced Motul Century, regarded as the world’s first multigrade engine oil. Unlike single-grade oils, it maintained effective lubrication across a wider range of operating temperatures, improving cold starts and high-temperature performance.1

1966 – Century 2100

Motul launched Century 2100, considered the first commercially available semi-synthetic engine oil. By blending mineral and synthetic base oils, it delivered improved engine protection and durability compared with conventional lubricants of the era.1

1971 – Motul 300V

One of Motul’s most influential products is 300V, introduced in 1971.

It became one of the first fully synthetic, ester-based multigrade engine oils designed specifically for racing. Ester technology, originally developed for aerospace applications, offers:

• Excellent thermal stability
• High resistance to oil breakdown
• Strong lubrication film strength
• Reduced engine wear under extreme loads

The 300V line remains one of Motul’s flagship racing lubricants.1

Motul manufactures a broad portfolio of automotive and industrial fluids.

Automotive

• Passenger car engine oils
• Diesel engine oils
• Automatic transmission fluids (ATF)
• Manual transmission oils
• Differential oils
• Brake fluids
• Coolants
• Fuel additives

Motorcycle

Motul is especially well known in the motorcycle industry for:

• 300V Factory Line
• 7100
• 5100
• Scooter oils
• Fork oils
• Chain lubricants
• Helmet and visor cleaners

Marine

• Outboard oils
• Inboard engine lubricants
• Marine gear oils

Powersports

• ATV
• UTV
• Snowmobile
• Personal watercraft
• Karting

Industrial

Through Motul Tech, the company also supplies lubricants for:

• Metalworking
• Machining
• Industrial maintenance
• Manufacturing processes

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Motul has a long-standing association with global motorsports, using racing as a proving ground for lubricant development.

The company has participated in or supplied products for events such as:

• 24 Hours of Le Mans
• MotoGP
• Dakar Rally
• Nürburgring endurance races
• Drift championships
• GT racing
• Superbike racing
• Rally competitions

Motul also partners with numerous original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and professional racing teams to develop specialised lubricants for demanding conditions.1

Research and development is central to Motul’s business strategy.

The company develops lubricants tailored to specific applications rather than relying on general-purpose formulations. Its work includes:

• Ester-based synthetic technologies
• Hybrid vehicle lubricants
• Electric vehicle thermal management fluids
• Manufacturer-approved oils
• Sustainable lubricant formulations

Motul states that many technologies are validated under real-world motorsport conditions before wider commercial use.1

In recent years, Motul has expanded its environmental initiatives.

Key efforts include:

• NGEN lubricant range using re-refined base oils
• Recycled and recyclable packaging
• Reduced production waste
• Lower-carbon manufacturing initiatives
• Development of fluids for hybrid and electric vehicles

The company positions these efforts as part of its long-term sustainability strategy while maintaining high-performance standards.4

Motul operates through subsidiaries and distribution partners across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East.

According to the company:

• Products are available in 160+ countries
• Operations span 22 countries
• The company maintains 18 subsidiaries supporting global distribution and local technical services

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Motul emphasises:

• Performance
• Innovation
• Precision engineering
• Motorsport-derived technology
• Specialised lubrication solutions
• Long-term partnerships with OEMs and racing teams

Its current corporate messaging centres on reducing friction—both mechanically and through collaboration—to help customers improve efficiency and performance.1

Some of Motul’s best-known products include:

• 300V – Racing ester-based synthetic oil
• 8100 – Premium passenger car synthetic oils
• Specific – OEM-approved oils for particular vehicle manufacturers
• 7100 – Fully synthetic motorcycle oil
• 5100 – Technosynthese® motorcycle oil
• NGEN – Sustainable lubricant range
• Gear 300 – High-performance transmission oil
• RBF Series – High-performance racing brake fluids

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With more than 170 years of history, Motul has evolved from a lubricant brand associated with an American oil company into a globally recognised French manufacturer specialising in premium lubricants. Its reputation has been shaped by early innovations in multigrade, semi-synthetic, and fully synthetic engine oils, along with its close ties to professional motorsport and ongoing investment in advanced lubrication technologies.1

1. Motul
2. Motul (company)
3. Motul – Heritage Oil Products – Motul USA
4. Motul 2025 CSR report V6