This is Castrol's official stance on it:
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Thank you for contacting Castrol.
You can rest assured that Castrol SYNTEC 0w-30 available in North America, is the exact same product as Castrol SYNTEC 0w-30 manufactured
in Germany. The North American Castrol SYNTEC SAE 0W-30 offers the same performance as the German SYNTEC 0W-30, and the performance attributes are clearly demonstrated in the performance ratings and OEM approvals
indicated for each of our individual product offerings.
Castrol produces and utilize formulas from various sources, including North America and Europe depending on the product, performance and
component sourcing. Products may vary in raw materials as a result of the regional production facility. However, the end performance met
whether API or ACEA, is still the same. Formulations meeting European standards can be sourced from the US or Europe. The performance
specifications on the bottle may read differently as American Standard testing varies from European testing.
Formulations meeting European standards can be sourced from the US or Europe. It all comes down the most efficient way to supply the product
to market taking into consideration development and supply chain logistics.
The decision for 0W-30 to be sourced from Germany is based upon the most efficient supply logistics.
Castrol SYNTEC SAE 0W-30 exceeds all car and light truck manufacturer's warranty requirements for the protection of gasoline, diesel and
turbocharged engines where API SL, SJ, SH, CF or CD is recommended.
Exceeds European ACEA: A3, B3, B4; VW 502 00, 505 00, 503 01; MB 229.1, 229.3; BMW LL-01 and the engine protection requirements of ILSAC GF-3
for API Certified Gasoline Engine Oils and meets Energy Conserving Standards.
Please follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for the recommended GRADE and API specific to your application. This information can be
found in the vehicles owner's manual or by visiting the GRADE CALCULATOR at:
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/LubesSelector.do?categoryId=82915691
Thank you again for contacting Castrol, The Technology Leader!
Castrol Consumer Relations
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