FTC FINALIZES EXXON SETTLEMENT;
Nationwide Consumer Education Campaign Will Inform ConsumersThat Regular Gas, Not High Octane, Is Right For Most Cars :spyder
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The Federal Trade Commission has approved as final a consent agreement with Exxon Corporation that has triggered the launch of a massive consumer education and advertising campaign. The campaign is informing consumers that regular gasoline, not high octane, is the right fuel for most cars. Exxon is running fifteen-second television ads carrying that message in 18 major metropolitan markets, including New York City, Orlando, Washington, D.C. and Dallas. Exxon also will distribute consumer information brochures at Exxon service stations nationwide.
"Many consumers buy high octane gas believing it is a 'treat' or a 'treatment' for their cars," said Jodie Bernstein, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "But it's the consumers getting the treatment, not the cars. Most cars don't need and won't benefit from hi-test gas, so paying extra for premium gas is wasting money," she said. "Now Exxon will join the FTC and the American Automobile Association to get the word out to consumers: Unless your owner's manual calls for high octane fuel or your engine is knocking, there's no reason to pay for premium gasoline," she said. "This is a precedent-setting law enforcement remedy that will save American consumers money."
In September 1996, the FTC issued a complaint charging Exxon with making unsubstantiated advertising claims about the ability of Exxon gasoline, including Exxon 93 Supreme, to clean engines and reduce auto maintenance costs. As part of a consent agreement to settle the charges, announced for a public comment period in June, Exxon agreed to produce a 15 second television ad featuring an Exxon official who will say, "Most cars run properly on regular octane, so check your owner's manual and stop by Exxon for this helpful pamphlet." The ad will run in two waves of several weeks each; the first wave is running this month and the second will run in November.