Chevron to offer both CI-4 and CJ-4 engine oils in 2007 and beyond
SAN RAMON, Ca. -- Chevron Products Company says it will still offer its CI-4 Plus engine oil in 2007 even after the introduction of the upcoming CJ-4 specification next October. Rather than convert entirely to the new lube, Chevron will sell both versions of its Delo- and Ursa-branded oils due to expected market demand and customer feedback. Price will also be a factor. While other lubricant suppliers have so far been silent on the issue, it's expected that they too will offer both specs in the foreseeable future. “There is a lot of anxiety over new engines, fuels, exhaust treatments and lubricants,” said Nicole Fujishige, Chevron's commercial marketing manager, North America. “It is important for our customers to know they will have one less thing to worry about as 2007 approaches. Historically Chevron has fully embraced each new heavy-duty engine oil specification. In this situation, there is clearly a need to retain the CI-4 Plus oil while introducing the CJ-4 product. Although backwards compatible, CJ-4 will likely be more expensive than CI-4 Plus and is not required for the off-road market or pre-2007 engines. Based on fleet composition, the majority of Chevron’s customers will have a greater need for CI-4 Plus, so we’ll keep that product on the market until conditions change.” In an interview with Today's Trucking during the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. last week, she said market forces will make CJ-4 oils 15-30 percent more expensive than the current CI-4 types. How long will CI-4 lubes be available? It's an open question, Fujishige said, depending on demand. It could well be 10 years or more. The Delo CJ-4 product, to be known as Delo 400 LE (Low Emissions) Multigrade SAE 15W-40, will be offered alongside the CI-4 Plus oil, Delo 400 Multigrade SAE 15W-40. The new Texaco Ursa CJ-4 product will be known as Texaco Ursa LA (Low Ash) SAE 15W-40. The company expects to have both CJ-4 products available on October 26, 2006, the American Petroleum Institute’s intended first licence date for the new engine oil specification.