Oil company defends petrol innovation after price gripe

WELLINGTON - Caltex is surprised the Automobile Association poured cold water on its new petrol launched yesterday by saying motorists wanted cheaper gas not new products.

Vortex petrol contains an additive that increases fuel economy by keeping engines in new cars clean and washing away deposits, says Caltex marketing manager Tracey Brown.

"Right now we can't do much about the cost of petrol, but with Vortex we can reduce the cost of motoring."

Pricewise, Caltex was at the mercy of charges set by oil-producing countries, she said.

However, up to 35 per cent of cars had moderate to heavy deposits that reduced engine power, decreased fuel economy and increased emissions.

AA technical service general manager Bob Lewis had said that if Caltex wanted to help motorists, lowering prices would be the best thing it could do.

After 13 petrol price rises in the past eight months, prices of 91 and 96 octane last week fell by 2c a litre to 99.9c a litre and $1.02.9c respectively.

"If we take our modern vehicles, we don't get a lot of problems with gumming up of injectors, provided things are maintained properly," he said.

"If they're looking for a competitive edge, bring the price down further. That's the best thing of the lot for any motorist."

Caltex is offering Vortex at the same prices as its standard petrol.

Six months of international testing had "proved the performance claims of Vortex," Ms Brown said.

"Many New Zealand motorists are unaware of the performance-reducing effects of fuel deposits and are oblivious to the fact they even exist.

"Vortex petrol not only keeps your petrol injectors, carburettors and intake valves clean; it also cleans up the deposits that other petrols can leave behind." - NZPA