Midwest/Southwest Regional Breakdown

Anyone who is a paid subscriber to NOLN can now access the paid subscriber area and click on the "For Subscribers Only" section to download the 2009 Regional Survey Breakdown for the Midwest and Southwest regions of the country. That's where we take data from our 2009 Lube Operators Survey and parse it into regions. Makes for great analysis, but you can only access it if you're a paid subscriber!

Shorter Drain Intervals?

Will rising fuel economy standards lead to shorter drain intervals? One industry pundit thinks so. Wouldn't that be nice: government-mandated oil change intervals to maximize fuel economy!

Lubes in the News

Oil change companies making headlines this week:

• Re-refined motor oil continues to gain traction.

• Offering customers entertainment options while they wait. (VehicleMD is a great way to do this, too!)

• A carwash is in its fourth year of fighting city hall over the addition of a fast lube.

• Texas carwash celebrates grand opening of a lube shop.

• A website generates customers for GM dealers and quick lubes.

• Blogging about great service at a Minnesota Jiffy Lube.

• California lube shop sells for $1.4 million.

• Construction kills traffic at a VIOC.

New Website

International Lubricants, Inc. has unveiled a new website that features a new and improved look, easier navigation, current and relevant product information and downloads, and an online store.

"Due to constant demand from end users, we made it easier than ever to get the information they need, when they need it," said Kristen Clark, marketing manager for ILI.

The new site, www.lubegard.com, includes a new "Technicians Corner" with multiple technical resources such as an ATF Application Chart, various technical articles and information about the popular Lubegard All Stars redemption program.

Mazda Diesels

According to a report in Automotive News, Mazda is considering a plan to outfit many of its future U.S. vehicles with diesel engines. The report notes the company is in the process of testing a number of diesel-powered vehicles in the U.S. With more stringent CAFE regulations on the horizon, don't expect Mazda to be the only automaker to go down the diesel road.

Lubes in the News

Oil change companies making headlines this week:

• A dealership magazine talks up the benefits of adding a quick lube (with a few facts that weren't attributed to NOLN but should have been!!).

• Arizona lube shop/carwash raided in a hunt for illegal aliens.

• Interchange project forces a Jiffy Lube to close.

• Fire at a nearby hotel strands some Wyoming Grease Monkey customers.

• Recession hits sale of franchised businesses, including Jiffy Lubes.

Lubricant Quality

Now comes word that the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA) is starting to police its members a little more heavily. According to a story in Lubes 'N Greases magazine, a recent test by the organization found six of 20 passenger car motor oils that were tested failed or were misrepresented in their labeling. That's a 35 percent failure rate, which is something sure to raise a few red flags somewhere!

Lubricant Survey

Jobbers World recently conducted a survey on lubricant quality, and the findings are interesting. Certainly this is an issue that is garnering more and more attention, and it would come as little surprise to see a government agency step in and take control if the industry itself doesn't come to grips with lubricant quality.

Lubes in the News

Oil change companies making headlines this week:

• A carwash (and eventually fast lube, too) celebrates 30 years in business.

• Griffin Fast Lube acquires Colorado Jiffy Lubes.

• A fast lube gets a remodel to meet city code. Pics here.

• Q&A with co-founder of Jiffy Lube International.

• Vandals hit a carwash/fast lube chain.

• Lube shop manager wins Fairbanks assembly seat.

• New Express Oil Change opens.

• Georgia shop affected by flood that washed out critical bridge.

• Texas Kwik Kar wins local business of the year award.

• Minnesota shop files bankruptcy.

Clean Burn on TV

Lube industry vendor Clean Burn will have its furnaces and burners profiled on Science Channel's "How It's Made" show this Friday night, Oct. 9. The show is scheduled to air at 9 p.m. EDT, and will feature a step-by-step explanation of how the company's products use waste oil to generate heat.