Motul is a global French company which manufacturers, develops and distributes lubricants for engines (motorcycles, cars and other vehicles) and for the industry.

Founded in 1853 in New York, the Swan & Finch company started its activity in the sector of high quality lubricants. As from 1920, it turns to the international markets by exporting some of its portfolio brands like Aerul, Textul, Motul.

In 1932, Ernst Zaug negotiated the distribution in France of products of the Motul brand with Swan & Finch via his company Supra Penn.[1] In 1953, the Swan & Finch centenary is celebrated with the worldwide launch of Motul Century, which becomes the first multigrade oil on the European market. However, Swan & Finch suspended its activities in 1957. Supra Penn bought back all title deeds and patents pertaining to the Motul brand, which was renamed for the company's chief product, becoming Motul S.A.

In 1966, Century 2100 appeared on the market. It was the first semi-synthetic car lubricant,[2] a product that withstands constraints and mechanical loads ten-times higher than usual lubricants. In 1971, Motul innovated again with Century 300V, the first 100% synthetic car oil. Motul strengthened its international presence in the 1980s: Germany with Motul Deutschland in 1980, Spain in 1988, the USA in 1989, Italy in 1994, Asia-Pacific in 2002, Russia and Brazil in 2005, India in 2006. Moreover, Motul created a new activity in 2001: Motul Tech, specialized in industrial lubricants. .