I'm aware of that, Dave. However I don't think that would prevent Volkswagen, BMW or MB
from buying oil from smaller companies if they meet the price point for the required quantity.
- provided of course the product meets the approvals in question. Shell, BP/Castrol and Exxon-
Mobil commonly do it cheaper. Afton, Lubrizol and Vanderbilt make it 'easy' blending oils, but
the big ones are still in an (production cost) advantage since they have their own ressources
and even (co-)own add producers.
from buying oil from smaller companies if they meet the price point for the required quantity.
- provided of course the product meets the approvals in question. Shell, BP/Castrol and Exxon-
Mobil commonly do it cheaper. Afton, Lubrizol and Vanderbilt make it 'easy' blending oils, but
the big ones are still in an (production cost) advantage since they have their own ressources
and even (co-)own add producers.