Well, I will tell you guys what (and the Elves are in complete agreement with me on this), IF Castrol has slipped in a Group III formulation for GC, then when my supply is gone...it's gone. (I am not dissing Group III formulations, but the surreptitious nature of the marketing...and the cost being levied.) But I will tell you what I think is going on. I think, despite its "trick" formula, Green GC is "last year's formulation," and that the Gold is newer, more expensive technology, hence the temporary price increase to over $5. I think what then happened is Castrol felt like the price increase was "too much information" and attention to the appearance of the new formula and so they backed off. Please also note that though the $3.99/qt sales were coming fast and furious before Gold GC appeared, there has not been one that I can recall since. I propose they are not keen on selling their more expensive Euro formulas, particularly The Gold, at $3.99. (Before you say, "Who would know?" I think many of you don't give enough credit to the impact that the GC craze has had on Castrol sales and to who watches the traffic on this board and knows what is happening and why. I believe Castrol knows full well what is going on.) You have got to keep in mind, that while Castrol will enjoy selling all the GC they can, they CANNOT afford to allow an "underground communications system" to develop that says, GC and BC are good stuff but stay away from the rest of the Syntec line. It's not the same stuff." They cannot afford a perception gap between the products...hence the misinformation about all Syntec 0W-30 being the same.) They should, however, realize by now...that they are fighting an uphill battle to keep this suppressed.) This is my best guess.
[ May 07, 2005, 12:14 PM: Message edited by: pscholte ]
[ May 07, 2005, 12:14 PM: Message edited by: pscholte ]
