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Pennzoil Puts America's Love of the Automobile to the Test

19 October 1999

Pennzoil Puts America's Love of the Automobile to the Test

    HOUSTON, Oct. 18 -- In today's time-starved, convenience-at-any-cost 
world, are Americans becoming detached from their automobiles?  As drivers 
engage in multi-tasking in stop-and-go traffic, frequent automated car washes 
and marvel at new cars that are advertised as being so maintenance-free that 
their hoods could be welded shut, one might think so.
    Pennzoil has decided to put this relationship to the test in a nationwide
poll that asks drivers, "How's Your Automotive Attitude?"  Preliminary survey
responses already have turned up interesting but inconclusive information
regarding whether or not our national automotive relationship could use a
tune-up.  Whether you love your automobile or you wish it would mysteriously
disappear, you should find these initial responses from 1,000 American drivers
entertaining.  Consider:

     -- One out of every two drivers surveyed said the words "dependable" or
        "practical" best described their automobile.  A mere five percent of
        respondents chose such words as "sexy" or "luxurious" to describe
        their car.

     -- Approximately 50 percent of drivers have named an automobile.
        "Intimidator," "Wrinkles" and "Silver Bullet" are just some of the
        descriptive names reported.

     -- People who drive sports cars are more likely to name their vehicle,
        perhaps due to the fact that this group also is the most likely to
        describe themselves as feeling "creative" while in stop-and-go
        driving.

     -- Even though the majority of those surveyed are "stressed" and
        "frustrated" when in stop-and-go driving, most drivers agree that
        severe driving conditions are harder on their engines than themselves.

     -- More than 70 percent of those surveyed admitted that they had made
        inappropriate gestures while in stop-and-go driving.

    "By understanding the relationships drivers have with their automobiles,
Pennzoil will be better equipped to develop car care products that fit
consumers' driving needs," said Caryn Crump, vice president of Pennzoil(R)
products.  "Although there is a convenience-based consumer desire for hassle-
free but short-lived products, it is important to examine this attitude where
our cars are concerned.  People depend on their cars in so many ways -- as
safe transportation, for family vacations, even as an important tool for
earning their livelihoods -- that it is important Pennzoil continues to
educate drivers on the proper maintenance of their vehicles."
    This fall, Pennzoil plans to conduct the "How's Your Automotive Attitude?"
survey throughout the U.S. at Al's Auto Supply, Grand Auto Supply and Jiffy
Lube locations.  The survey also is posted on goracing.com at
http://www.goracing.com/pennzoil as part of a sweepstakes in which consumers can win
a trip for two to the inaugural NASCAR(R) Winston Cup Series Pennzoil 400
presented by Kmart.  The grand-prize winner will travel to Miami, Fla., for
the race; 400 other winners will be awarded merchandise.  No purchase is
necessary.
    Pennzoil will reveal unique responses and a breakdown of the automotive
attitudes of various driver demographics across America early next year.  To
take part in this national survey now, visit Pennzoil online at
http://www.pennzoil.com.
    Pennzoil(R) motor oils are manufactured by Pennzoil-Quaker State Company,
a leading automotive consumer products company.  Pennzoil-Quaker State Company
markets premium quality lubricants and some 1,300 other car care products, and
is the parent company of Jiffy Lube International, Inc., the world's largest
franchiser of fast oil change centers.