In a press release dated April 14, 1999, Mobil Corporation announced its upgrade of Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil to Mobil 1 Tri-Synthetic Formula. The press release states, "New Mobil l Tri-Synthetic Formula combines three highly advanced synthetic polymers with an innovative anti-wear additive package developed by Mobil engineers and chemists."
AMSOIL Technical Services Manager Byron Selbrede is not overwhelmingly impressed. "This is not earth shattering news," said Selbrede. "It sounds like things we have been doing for years." Selbrede says based on the press release, the new Mobil 1 Tri-Synthetic Formula offers nothing more than AMSOIL synthetic lubricants do, and quite a bit less. "We've moved beyond the multiple base stock technology. They're still playing catch-up with us."
The fact that Mobil is trying to catch up is a good indication that the market is swinging in favor of AMSOIL synthetic motor oils. Market research must have convinced Mobil that qualities like cold morning start-ups and protection in hot highway and stop-and-go driving – benefits built into AMSOIL motor oils for many year – are what today's consumers want.
There’s a statement in the press release which offers a good indication of AMSOIL's technological lead. It refers to Mobil l’s upgrade in 1992. "The press release states that Mobil Corporation upgraded the Mobil 1 formulation in 1992 to incorporate synthetic jet engine oil technology," said Selbrede. "AMSOIL started out with jet engine oil technology from the very beginning in 1972." For those doing the math, that’s a 20-year lead.
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