Detroit Diesel Responds to Shell’s Claims
In a letter sent yesterday to its vendors, suppliers, customers, and a number of organizations, and others, Detroit Diesel Corporation released a position statement regarding “Shell’s Mobil Competitive Claim.”
The letter is directed at Shell’s advertising campaign where Shell claims that a sample of ExxonMobil Delvac 1300 Super 15W-40 it tested does not meet API CK-4 and Detroit Diesel (93K222) engine oil specifications. Specific to the claim, Shell says the sample did not pass the Volvo T-13 engine test.
In response to the Shell’s claim, Detroit Diesel’s position statement says that “Mobil Delvac 1300 Super 15W-40 met all of the requirements to receive an API CK-4 license” and “all the requirements for inclusion on Detroit Diesel’s 93K222 approved engine oil list.” Further, “Inclusion on Detroit Diesel’s 93K222 approved engine oil list is at the sole discretion of Detroit Diesel Corporation” and that “The Volvo T13 engine test data for Mobil Delvac 1300 Super 15W-40 met the requirements for API CK-4 and DDC DFS 93K222.”
In addition to these points, the statement says, “The Volvo T13 engine test is approved by ASTM, API, ACC, EMA, DDC, and other organizations” and “The precision statement for the Volvo T13 engine test is available in ASTM D 8048.”
Detroit Diesel’s position statement concludes with:
“Any and all public claims that a Detroit Diesel-approved product does not meet Detroit Diesel specifications shall only be communicated by Detroit Diesel Corporation.”
From what JobbersWorld is hearing from those who received the letter, the position statement makes it clear that Detroit Diesel stands by its approval of Mobil Delvac 1300 Super 15W-40. Further, the letter makes it clear that Detroit Diesel calls the shots on its product approvals, not lubricant marketers.
Related stories and video:
– ExxonMobil Responds to Shell’s Claim
– Shell Amps up the Volume about its Claim
– Shell Claims Shell Rotella Meets The Standards While A Leading Diesel Engine Oil Does Not
– Not All Oils Meet Industry Standards
– YouTube – (Video 1 and Video 2)