API Assumes Leadership of "Motor Oil Matters" Program

The American Petroleum Institute (API) recently announced it will assume the leadership role in the “Motor Oil Matters” awareness campaign from Pennzoil-Quaker State Company, with the goal of expanding the industry and consumer initiative.

Pennzoil-Quaker State launched Motor Oil Matters through a number of consumer and trade initiatives to increase consumer awareness about the importance of using high-quality motor oils. Motor Oil Matters provides clear, concise and insightful information about motor oil and the vital role it plays in vehicles. While Pennzoil-Quaker State pointed to its brands, including Pennzoil and Quaker State, as examples of the quality products consumers should seek out, its quality message has great appeal to other manufacturers of API-licensed motor oil.

“API appreciates the work done by Pennzoil-Quaker State to create this powerful program to highlight the importance of motor oil quality,” said Kevin Ferrick, manager for Engine Oil Licensing at API. “We’re excited to take the helm of this innovative initiative, and we look forward to building on Motor Oil Matters’ motor oil quality message and applying it to API’s Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System. Motor Oil Matters will add a new dimension to API’s oil quality program.”

API will work with its members and licensees to further develop Motor Oil Matters as a resource to educate consumers about the importance of using high-quality motor oils. Ferrick noted that this will help consumers receive the engine protection and performance they expect when purchasing high-quality motor oils.

In addition to consumer education, API will work to improve its Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System.

“We expect to improve the way the certification program addresses licensed oils sold in bulk and to improve licensed engine oil testing to confirm API-licensed oils meet API performance standards,” said Ferrick.

“From the outset, our goal for the program was to see it transform into a true industry-wide initiative led by a top industry association,” said Elizabeth Boehm-Miller, growth manager for Pennzoil-Quaker State. “We are thrilled to see the vision come true with the transition to the API.”

Boehm-Miller added that Shell, Pennzoil-Quaker State’s parent company, is very pleased that API is taking over the program because “we share the same purpose, values and commitment to quality. API has a long history of successfully shepherding industry initiatives and is well positioned to take Motor Oil Matters to the next level.”

Pennzoil-Quaker State will continue to support Motor Oil Matters, and it will continue its proprietary Certified Installer Program that was launched as part of Motor Oil Matters. The program identifies installers that pour high-quality Pennzoil and Quaker State products.