Tel West Fill-Up CITGO Offers Stimulus Package for Consumers and Major Automakers

Local Gas Station Extends Program to Offer Free Fuel with Purchase of a New American-Made Car

BROWNSTOWN, Mich., Feb. 18 -- While the country debates bailouts and stimulus packages, one local business has developed its own program to support the local community. The Tel West Fill-Up CITGO station, located at 22800 Telegraph Road in Brownstown, Mich., began offering free fuel to anyone who buys a new Ford, Chrysler or GM vehicle from a local dealership in January.

Due to high demand, the station has extended the program through February. The goal is to not only help ease the strain on consumers' wallets, but to provide extra support to the American automotive industry, which is so vital to the Brownstown and Detroit communities.

"Our community relies heavily on the U.S. auto industry," said Albert Abbas, manager of the Tel West Fill-Up. "Many of my customers work either at one of the local 'Big 3' factories and manufacturing plants or at another business that depends on the automotive industry to survive."

"The free gas helps save some cash for the motorists, but I also hope that it helps new car sales for vehicles made right here in our great state," Abbas said.

"Many people don't think about how interconnected businesses are. We're hoping that by doing our part, we can help support the whole community. As a local business, we wanted to do something to help our friends and neighbors in these tough times," Abbas said. "It's been really gratifying after the first month of the program to hear how much our customers appreciate what we are trying to do."

The promotion provides free fuel to motorists who buy a new car, truck or SUV from one of three local dealers: Taylor Ford and Telegraph Chrysler/Jeep in Taylor, Mich. or Rogers Chevrolet in Woodhaven, Mich.

"The Brownstown and Detroit communities are really struggling these days with the dipping economy and hits to the auto industry," said Patrick Breen of Barrick Oil, the fuel supplier of Tel West Fill-Up.

"Albert and his staff have come up with a great way to not only help the everyday customer, but provide a little boost to new car sales in the local area. Maybe the guys on Wall Street and in Washington should take note of what Tel West Fill-Up has done and follow Albert's example," Breen said.

Tel West Fill-Up CITGO, located at 22800 Telegraph Road in Brownstown, is one of more than 300 locally owned CITGO stations in Michigan. Each and every locally owned CITGO station, along with three CITGO terminals in Michigan, support a wide range of charity and community programs and generate more than 2,300 jobs for Michigan residents.

For more information about the free fuel program, visit the Tel West Fill-Up CITGO station, Taylor Ford, Telegraph Chrysler/Jeep, or Rogers Chevrolet. For more information on CITGO Petroleum in Michigan visit www.CITGO.com/Michigan.