Mobil 1 vs. Mobil 1 Extended Performance

[Crack_Tan]

I know this has probably been discussed before, but here it is again:

Is Mobil phasing out Mobil 1 in favor of Mobil 1 Extended Performance?

The reason I ask is that I've noticed Mobil 1 shelf-space shrinking (Walmart, Advanced), while EP, 7500 & 5000 growing. Considering that EP seems to be the more popular choice in forums like this, I wonder how that's impacting the sale of Mobil 1 (in other words, EP must be cannibalizing Mobil 1 sales).

Sorry if this discussion is redundant, but I'm just curious.

 

[pitzel]

As you point out, XOM has created quite a dillema. Most of us pretty much have come to the conclusion that traditional M1, in the era of Mobil 1 Extended Performance, is pretty much an obsolete product. However, traditional M1 has been formulated for the specific purpose of maintaining adherance to oil specifications as given in owners manuals. This discrepancy is probably confusing to the average new car owner, but ultimately, not fatal.

Given that 10W-40, and to a lesser extent, 10w30 viscosities are still the most popular grades sold in North America today in retail environments, I don't feel that very many car owners would actually bother to seek out the 'normal' SM-rated, energy-conserving-rated M1 when EP is available. So I reckon that, while it will remain in the XOM catalogue, many retaillers will simply not carry just normal M1, just as many retaillers don't bother with 15W-50, or 0W-30/0W-40 today.

 

[Crack_Tan]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm pretty happy using either product. In my case, it usually comes down to what's in stock at Walmart, and if both are available, how great the price difference is (<$5 = Buy EP, otherwise "just" Mobil1).

 

[LarryL]

Isn't this label engineering a good way to raise the price of a product. If the new label gives the customer the feeling that there is something new and better in the bottle then the price just might be a bit higher. They don't have to worry about how much the public will tolerate in a price increase for a given product, just make a new one and of course it costs more. A little new can generate a bigger price jump that a lot of improvement of an existing product. Mobil started with the technical merits of Mobil 1 and now it's time for the marketing department to take over. You now have to believe their product is as good as they say it is.