Pennzoil launches two synthetic oils
LAS VEGAS—Pennzoil-Quaker State Co. has introduced two motor oils: Synthetic and Synthetic Blend.
Both oils, unveiled at the recent Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show in Las Vegas, feature Pennzane, a lubricant developed by the company in the mid-1980s for the extreme environment of outer space.
The new oils should help independent retailers see greater profit margins, Pennzoil officials said. Available in 5W-30 or 10W-30 viscosity, Pennzoil Synethic will carry a retail price of about $4.30 per quart, while the blend will be less expensive.
The company, which owns Jiffy Lube International, acknowledged sales of its current synthetic oil, PerforMax, had been eclipsed by competitors, and said that product will be superseded by the Synthetic line, which will include automatic transmission fluid, grease and gear lube.
OTC to introduce diagnostic scanner
LAS VEGAS—Mirroring the trend in home computing, vehicle analyzers are going the "small, better, cheaper" route.
Case in point: OTC Electronic Diagnostic Products' next-generation diagnostic scanner, dubbed "Genisys," can also be a gas analyzer, scope or meter depending on the module a technician uses. It relies on a Motorola PowerPC processor.
Due out this month, Genisys will be priced at about $2,800 (before factory incentives or trade-ins). OTC said it will make upgrades affordable, and Genisys modules will be backward-compatible with OTC's Monitor cartridges.
OTC has signed a letter of intent to have Automotive Technical Service train techs who request help.