Shell's lab is better kept top secret

If anyone has money to put together a slick Web site – it’s the oil companies. Revenues are down, but not enough to stop advertising. Shell has an educational Web site designed by J. Walter Thompson (Houston), to support their passionate experts campaign. The site features an interactive lab where you can learn more about Shell's “Passionate Experts,” including some Little Known Facts in the Shell Scientists profiles. Some of the choice nuggets: “I used to be a very good windsurfer.” And “I used to play the drums many years ago.” Who cares what you used to do?!

The actor in the lab coat kept asking “(bug sigh) so … formulas, chemistry … just waiting for you,” even though I was engaged in their lab. Very annoying.

It took a while to finally find out what was different about V-Power besides lab coats telling me it gets rid of gunk.

This site is too busy, lacks focus and has some very annoying audio bugs. Speaking about bugs, why not recruit the Mucinex guys, or Digger the Dermatophyte to clean up engines on the weekends for JWT.

Quality Gas is a Shell Game

Not all gasoline is the same. So say’s Shell.

Shell is pushing its new “Nitrogen Enriched” V-Power gasoline additive that promises to help reduce performance-robbing carbon deposit (a.k.a. gunk) build up in the engine. This can include sticky intake valves and clogged fuel injectors. Shell's Web site states:

“Gunky-build up can reduce an engine’s ability to breath, and can be a result of using lower quality gasolines. With five times the amount of cleaning agents required by Federal government standards, Shell V-Power gasoline can protect your engine and actively clean intake valves and injectors.”

According to NPD Group’s monthly customer-behavior research, 70-percent of consumers say price plays the most important role in their gasoline purchase decision. Price is king.

Many car owners are keeping their vehicles longer, and most gasoline companies are using some sort of additive to help reduce gunk. But it can be hit or miss. Is it worth taking the chance?

Andrew Buczynsky, General Motor’s fuel guru recommends using quality gasoline approved by one of the eight companies at www.toptiergas.com to help reduce your chances of getting a “check engine” light.

More than 700 reports of injector problems were logged with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce in 2004 due to low-quality fuel (40-percent from Citgo stations).

Are you willing to play the Shell game?