One of the big questions often asked about dexos1™ has now been answered. What's the price?

General Motors notified its dealers about its pricing structure for dexos1™. And according to what dealers are told, GM says, "GM will provide dexos1™ synthetic blend at very competitive prices compared to other synthetic blends in the market." Furthermore, GM says, "the current dexos1™ pricing will be honored for all orders placed on or before October 29, 2010."

So what is the price?

Depending on the package size and the programs bundled with the product (there are two options), dealers say they have been advised that the net price for GM's dexos1™ synthetic blend will range from $9.95 to $11.52 a gallon. Whereas dealers say these prices are lower than they expected after all the fanfare about dexos1™, some wonder what the future pricing will look like once the pumps are primed with products. 

And although the issue of price may now be coming into focus, both GM dealers and lubricant marketers are asking a lot of questions about GM's recent bulletin where GM speaks to the issue of product availability. Specifically, JobbersWorld was told, this section of the bulletin says:

"All General Motors 2011 Model Year Vehicles require the use of dexos1™. If a 2011 MY vehicle owner is in need of dexos1™ approved oil, GM's guidance of acceptable substitute engine oils is below. This acceptability is temporary until dexos1™ availability is pervasive.  

- For all 2011 MYvehicles with naturally-aspirated engines except Corvette, Camaro SS (with LS3 engine) and CTS-V:

In the event that dexos1TM approved engine oil is not available at an oil change or for maintaining proper oil level, you may use substitute engine oil displaying the API Starburst symbol and of SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade.

- For 2011 MY Corvette, Camaro SS (with LS3 engine), CTS-V and vehicles with turbocharged engines:

In the event that dexos1TM approved engine oil is not available at an oil change or for maintaining proper oil level, you may use substitute engine oil meeting the GM4718M specification and of SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade such as Mobil 1 Full Synthetic. "

So now, JobbersWorld asks, how will GM define "pervasive" in its statement that "This acceptability is temporary until dexos1™ availability is pervasive."  In addition, will acceptable substitutions water down the relevance of dexos1™?

Speaking of G.H. Berlin, how many companies can say they have a 94-year old full-time employee?

Happy Birthday to Frank Secondino, a full-time sales representative. Frank has been with G.H. Berlin since 2000 and prior to that, was the owner of State-Wide Petroleum."  Today is Frank's 94th birthday and he is still selling.