TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Marks One Year

35 Percent Of All Gasoline In U.S. Meets TOP TIER Detergent Level

PONTIAC, Mich. - The month of May marks the one-year anniversary of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. In the past twelve months, six fuel marketers, both large and small, have joined the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline program. They are: ChevronTexaco, QuikTrip, ConocoPhillips, Shell, Entec Stations, and MFA Oil Company. Together they represent about 35 percent of all the gasoline sold in the U.S., amounting to about 48.5 billion gallons annually.

"TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is really proving to be a win for everyone," said Tom Stephens, group vice president of GM Powertrain. "Customers see optimum fuel economy and performance and have fewer fuel deposit issues. Fuel marketers are able to differentiate their product by advertising their gasoline meets TOP TIER standards. Better fuel quality also equates to improved emissions which are obviously good for everyone."

The U.S. EPA requires a minimal amount of detergent additive in all gasoline. However, the level is often not sufficient to prevent engine deposits from forming. TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline helps keep engines cleaner than gasoline containing the minimum amount required by government regulation, and, thus, helps provide optimal fuel economy, performance, and reduced emissions.

TOP TIER standards were developed by BMW, General Motors, Honda and Toyota and were aimed at reversing the national trend toward lower gasoline additive concentration.