Equilon, Motiva Partner With Flying J to Develop Co-Branded Travel Plazas

HOUSTON, Oct. 31 -- Equilon Enterprises LLC and Motiva Enterprises LLC, the companies that refine and market Shell- and Texaco- branded gasoline, have signed an agreement with Flying J, a premier company in the travel plaza industry, to begin developing a network of co-branded travel plazas. The sites will feature an increased emphasis on the gasoline and RV customer. Plans are to utilize the Shell gasoline brand in conjunction with the widely recognized Flying J offering and brands for the trucker.

Five existing Flying J travel plazas throughout the country were rebranded in October with Shell signage and graphics to offer Shell gasoline and accept Shell/Texaco credit cards. Soon, the companies will begin opening additional co-branded travel plazas.

``These travel plazas are not conventional truck stops in any sense of the word,'' said Chuck Shepherd, general manager of Business Development for Equilon and Motiva. ``Shell-branded Flying J travel plazas are intended to serve all motorists, whether they are driving cars, SUVs, RVs, or trucks. The partnership with Flying J will leverage the Shell brand and provide customers with greater access to our products and other essential needs while traveling.''

Flying J's custom-built travel plazas are generally located on spacious, easy-to-access sites along the interstate highway system. In addition to diesel fuel and gasoline, the sites feature convenience stores, full-service restaurants, fast-food courts, travel services, and miscellaneous driver services and amenities.

``We believe truckers, vacationers and families will find this co-brand concept appealing. This partnership supports our strategic initiative to grow our business and offers us a significant opportunity to increase our branded gasoline sales,'' Shepherd said.

Headquartered in Houston, Equilon Enterprises LLC refines and markets Shell- and Texaco-branded products in 32 Western and Midwestern states and includes nationwide transportation and lubricants businesses.

Headquartered in Houston, Motiva Enterprises LLC refines and markets Shell- and Texaco-branded products in 26 East and Gulf Coast states and Washington, D.C.