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Lubricant Gladiators Hit Center Stage with Models for Success

1 September 2000

Lubricant Gladiators Hit Center Stage with Models for Success in E-Commerce

   Lubricants: The New World Order Conference Expected to Be a Blockbuster

    LITTLE FALLS, N.J., Sept. 1 The stage is set for the
leading gladiators in on-line lubricant sales to step up and present their
"models for success" in e-commerce.  The conference -- Lubricants:  The New
World Order, in Houston, TX, on September 13, 14, and 15 -- provides these
gladiators with a platform to present their value propositions, differentiate
offerings, and develop pivotal relationships in the lubricants market.
    There are currently over 15 Internet exchanges vying for market space in
lubricants.  Some are fueled by venture capital monies, and have burn rates
approaching $1 million a month.  Others include major oil companies and
independent lubricant manufacturers with bold initiatives, ambitious plans,
and innovative and risky business models.  Will the marketplace support
15 plus exchanges?  Clearly not.  Will majors and independents stub and step
on toes as they move forward in the New World of e-commerce?  Clearly yes.
    Lubricants:  The New World Order will help guide the lubricants industry
through these challenging times and develop successful business models.  Kline
& Company, for example, will present a showcase paper entitled Growth in
On-Line Lubricant Sales -- A Business Forecast.  This paper will provide
conference attendees with an objective, rational, and sound assessment of the
e-commerce market potential in lubricants (a particularly critical assessment
in light of the number of players currently chasing after the same "pot of
gold").
    With Kline's growth projections as a backdrop, leaders in on-line sales of
lubricants and related products will boldly step into the arena to present
their "models for success" in selling on-line, including the business models
of Silicon Valley Oil, FuelQuest, Oilspot, Citgo, Cognis, Lubrizol, Envera,
and Infineum.
    An extremely dynamic and issued-charged segment of the conference will
address "How e-Commerce Will Impact Majors, Independents, and Distributor
Relationships."  This panel includes owners, presidents, and other high level
executives from H&W Petroleum, Jesco Resources, South Coast Terminals, Citgo,
Ultramar Diamond Shamrock, and the chairman of the Petroleum Marketers
Association of America (PMAA).  The session will hear results of an opinion
survey conducted by Lubes'n'Greases magazine and PetroTrends.  The survey
reveals how relationships are being influenced by both threats and
opportunities presented by on-line sales of lubricants.