Factors Influencing Automotive Lubricant Consumer Purchasing Behavior: A Conceptual Model

The automotive industry's rapid expansion and rising consumer appetite for automobiles have created an unprecedented demand for automotive lubricants. This surge in demand reflects lubricants' essential role in ensuring optimal performance, longevity, and efficiency of automotive engines and mechanical components. In the present day, consumers exhibit increased precision and selectivity in their purchasing behavior, underscoring the necessity for careful deliberation before making a purchase decision. Given the diverse range of products available, it is essential to understand consumer preferences to ensure that the selection is aligned with market demands and expectations. Thus, this paper aims to develop a conceptual model for automotive lubricant purchase behavior based on the Theory of Consumption Values (TCV), which are divided into five parts: functional value, emotional value, social value, and epistemic value. The consumption value theory, applicable across diverse goods and services, emerges as a valuable framework. Its versatility enables a comprehensive understanding of consumer preferences and behaviors across various markets, facilitating informed decision-making for businesses and policymakers. Through this conceptual model, the paper endeavors to provide insights into the complex interplay of value perception and provide insights into the drivers behind consumers’ choices regarding automotive lubricants.