The Pacific Oil Conference (POC) and Petroleum Trends International, the publisher of Jobbers World, announced today that they have joined forces to include a lubricant marketer segment to the 46th Annual POC conference in Reno this September. Last year there were roughly 2,000 petroleum marketers, suppliers, and others in attendance at the POC!

According to Thomas F. Glenn, president of Petroleum Trends, "This track of the conference is specifically for and about lubricant distributors; it will provide POC attendees with an independent and comprehensive analysis of where the US lubricants business has been over the last five years and where it will likely go over the next five. In today's business environment, Glenn says "It's a must attend conference for all lubricant distributors."

This year, there will be several opportunities for lubricant marketers to obtain valuable information and take-away ideas during the show. Lubricant distributors will also have an opportunity to explore their options by walking the floors of the POC trade show. In addition to the extensive petroleum products, fuels, c-store, service and operation exhibitors, a special "Lube Alley" will provide participants with an opportunity to hear from lubricant manufacturers (including private label blenders), software suppliers, and other suppliers to lubricant distributors.

Tom Glenn, Petroleum Trends International, Inc. 732-494-0405

or Ross Hutchings, Pacific oil Conference at: (916) 646-5999

PetroCard Systems, one of the largest privately held companies in Washington state, today announced the acquisition of Spokane, Washington-based Thunderbird Lubrications, a division of Gull Industries, Inc.

PetroCard Systems sells fuel to businesses with commercial vehicle fleets primarily via two methods: "cardlocks," (unattended, self-serve fueling stations) and "Mobile Fueling" services, in which commercial vehicles parked at depots are fueled overnight. The company also drives revenue through bulk fueling services. PetroCard is one of the largest cardlock operators in the Pacific Northwest and one of the largest mobile fueling companies in the Puget Sound and Spokane areas.

Thunderbird Lubrications is a petroleum distributor with two major lines of business: sales and transportation of fuel and the distribution of lubricants and other automotive chemicals. Its lubes business supplies bulk motor oil to the installer market and packaged consumer motor oils and other automotive chemicals to retailers. Thunderbird is one of the largest distributors of Pennzoil & Quaker State auto lubricants in the U.S. It is the largest Gumout and one of the largest RainX distributors in the U.S.

Its fuels business sells to independent gas stations, commercial customers and other distributors. The company also hauls fuels on behalf of others. PetroCard is one of Thunderbird's largest customers.

"There is tremendous synergy between our businesses," said Tom Farr, PetroCard Systems' President and CEO. "The combination will allow us to increase operational efficiencies, benefit our customers and improve our fuel margins. It's a win-win situation." Thunderbird will retain its name, brand identity and employees, although it will operate as a division of PetroCard Systems, Inc. Tom Farr will manage the new entity. Larry Hitchcock, Thunderbird General Manager, will stay on as a consultant to PetroCard Systems and remain on PetroCard's Board of Directors.

Quaker State has combined two well-respected brands with the launch of the new Quaker State® Higher Mileage Engine with Slick 50. In addition to continuing to help reduce oil consumption from worn or leaky seals and burnoff, this new formulation is specifically engineered to help restore power and performance in vehicles over 75,000 miles. It is the only motor oil on the market containing Slick 50 and provides greater friction reduction than any other higher mileage engine oil Quaker State has developed to date.

"Consumers want a higher mileage motor oil that doesn't just keep the vehicle on the road, but one that also helps improve performance," said Troy Chapman, Quaker State Brand Director. "Quaker State Higher Mileage Engine with Slick 50 is an exciting new product that addresses this dual need by fighting friction to improve power while at the same time it helps reduce oil consumption from worn or leaky seals."

Quaker State created this uniquely packaged motor oil to address the specific needs of higher mileage engines. Quaker State Higher Mileage Engine with Slick 50 can help reduce oil consumption from worn or leaky seals and burn-off, as well as protect engine parts from wear and harmful deposits. In addition it resists oil-related sparkplug fouling and intake valve deposits. The new combination of these two products provides better protection than previous Quaker State Higher Mileage Engine Motor Oil because it produces a lower friction coefficient across engine operating temperatures.

Quaker State sees tremendous opportunity for this type of product because studies show that 64% of vehicles on the road are Higher Mileage (75,000+ miles), but only 13% of those High Mileage vehicles currently use a Higher Mileage oil.1 "We believe that bringing together these two products, as well as educating retailers and installers about all of the technical benefits of Quaker State Higher Mileage Engine with Slick 50 will go a long way in opening up this underserved market," added Chapman.

Quaker State reportedly started to ship Higher Mileage Engine with Slick 50 to retailers and installers in mid-April.

Jobbers World Online is a free e-publication provided as a service to lubricant distributors. In addition to this publication, Petroleum Trends International, Inc. publishes a monthly Jobbers World Newsletter. This print newsletter is available only by subscription and provides a comprehensive analysis of current events, hot topics, business opportunities and assessments, lubricant pricing, and other information and insights designed to help lubricant marketers and manufacturers run their business better.

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