Caltex surprised at AA's response to Vortex launch

News Release
March 27, 2000

Caltex surprised at AA's response to Vortex launch

Caltex New Zealand Limited says it is "surprised" that the Automobile Association should "pour cold water" on its new Vortex petrol, a product that can help save money for New Zealand motorists.

A spokesperson for the AA is quoted as saying that "while Vortex undoubtedly does the things Caltex said it does" he considered the product more a "means to gain market share than a product much needed by motorists".

The spokesperson is quoted as saying that "if Caltex wanted to help motorists, lowering prices would be the best thing to do".

But the company says research shows that cleaning up deposits will definitely help New Zealand Motorists.

Research conducted in New Zealand in 1998 shows that up to 95 per cent of vehicles have measurable levels of deposits and up to 35 per cent of vehicles have moderate to heavy deposits.

Cleaning up these deposits using Vortex would increase fuel economy, restore power and reduce the level of emissions, Caltex says.

"It surprises us that the AA doesn't support the introduction of a petrol that can provide benefits to New Zealand drivers without any added cost," said Tracey Brown, manager of Caltex' brand marketing group.

"The price issue is well documented and it is commonly known that oil companies are at the mercy of the producing countries that control the price of crude oil," Ms Brown said.

"What Caltex can now do - and it is doing this internationally - is control the price and quality of its additives and this we are doing by providing Vortex at no extra cost to the motorist."

"Right now we can't do much about the cost of petrol but with Vortex we can help reduce the cost of motoring," Ms Brown said.

ends

Issued for Caltex New Zealand Limited by 141 Palace Plus

Contacts
Tracey Brown Deborah Pead
Manager Brand Marketing Group Managing Director
Caltex New Zealand Limited 141 Palace Plus
Tel: 021 249 0471 021 612 919
0-4-495 6185 0-9-358 0141

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