TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Celebrates Two-year Anniversary and Continues to Grow
DETROIT (May 9, 2006) – May 2006 marks the two-year anniversary of the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline program. Interest among fuel marketers continues in the U.S. and Canada. Shell Canada recently became the first national fuel company to join the TOP TIER ranks. Shell has joined Chevron Canada to provide consumers with higher detergency gasoline that contains no metallic additives.
In the U.S., regional gasoline marketers continue to recognize the value of providing consumers with higher detergency gasoline while differentiating their product. The most recent additions are Aloha Petroleum Company, which markets in Hawaii under the Aloha Petroleum, Jiffy Mart, and Mahalo brands, and Tri-Par Oil Company in Wisconsin. In total, ten TOP TIER marketers, both large and small, represent over 35% of all gasoline sold in the U.S.
A description of the concept and benefits of TOP TIER is provided in the following question and answer section.
What is TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is a new class of gasoline with enhanced detergency. It meets new, voluntary deposit control standards developed by four automotive companies that exceed the detergent requirements imposed by the EPA.
Who developed TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards were developed by four automotive companies: BMW, General Motors, Honda and Toyota.
Why was TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline developed?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline was developed to increase the level of detergent additive in gasoline. The EPA requires that all gasoline sold in the U.S. contain a detergent additive. However, the requirement is minimal and in many cases, is not sufficient to keep engines clean. In order to meet TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards, a higher level of detergent is needed than what is required by the EPA. Also, TOP TIER was developed to give fuel marketers the opportunity to differentiate their product.
Why did four automotive companies join together to develop TOP TIER?
All four corporations recognized the benefits to both the vehicle and the consumer. Also, joining together emphasized that low detergency is an issue of concern to several automotive companies.
What are the benefits of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline will help keep engines cleaner than gasoline containing the "Lowest Additive Concentration" set by the EPA. Clean engines help provide optimal fuel economy and performance and reduced emissions. Also, use of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline will help reduce deposit related concerns.
Who should use TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline?
All vehicles will benefit from using TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline over gasoline containing the "Lowest Additive Concentration" set by the EPA. Those vehicles that have experienced deposit related concerns may especially benefit from use of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Where can TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline be purchased?
The following marketers have met the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards and are offering this product in all octane grades and in all their respective marketing areas:
U.S.
- Chevron
- QuikTrip
- ConocoPhillips (Conoco, Phillips 66, and 76 brands)
- Shell
- Entec Stations
- MFA Oil Company (Break Time stores)
- Kwik Trip, Inc. (Kwik Trip / Kwik Star)
- The Somerset Refinery, Inc. (Somerset Oil)
- Aloha Petroleum (Aloha Petroleum, Jiffy Mart, and Mahalo brands)
- Tri-Par Oil Co.
Canada
- Chevron
- Shell Canada
