Mobil Announces Reformulation of Off-Highway Greases; New Formula Offers Improved Extended Service for Off-Highway Customers.

FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 4, 1999--

Mobil announced today the reformulation of several of its greases used in off-highway applications. Field-tested for more than a year, the reformulated greases provide customers with superior results in high-temperature applications, better mechanical stability, greater water spray-off resistance and upgraded corrosion protection. The changes affect Mobilgrease CM-W, Mobilgrease CM-L, Mobilgrease CM-S, Mobilgrease CM-P, Mobilgrease HP and Mobilgrease Special.

"This advanced line of greases offers the benefits of a unique polymer system that enables them to stay put longer and therefore better support the needs of even the most demanding equipment, ultimately saving customers both time and money," said Mark Velkoff, Mobil's commercial vehicle lubricants programs manager. "This significant upgrade in this line of greases for off-highway use provides outstanding performance in the face of continuous equipment and design changes, and is also an example of responding to the customer's business needs."

Mobil has formulated each of these upgraded grease products with a high viscosity (ISO 320) base oil, a high quality lithium complex soap thickener, a high-tack polymer for excellent water-wash resistance and an extensive anti-wear package for long component life. Each provides superior lubrication, which enables it to stay put longer than before even under high water-wash conditions. In addition to water-wash protection, these improved Mobil greases offer controlled oil retention and release, guaranteeing improved stability and effective lubrication for all types of equipment. An upgraded additive system assures exceptional rust and wear protection and superior resistance to high-temperature oxidation, while an extreme-pressure additive provides exceptional protection against wear and shock loads.

Synthetic polymers are produced by chemical reactions, termed polymerizations. Polymerizations are the repetitive chemical bonding of individual molecules, or monomers. Assorted combinations of heat, pressure and catalysts alter the chemical bonds that hold monomers together, causing them to bond with one another. The result of such advanced technology can be seen in the grease's ability to form a tight seal at all greased points which resists the intrusion of dirt and water into lubricated joints. In severe water-spray testing, the new Mobil greases lasted more than two times longer than conventional products.

"With the change in formulation comes several color changes," said Velkoff. "Customers will notice that both the Mobilgrease CM-W and Mobilgrease CM-S have changed from their previous color of blue to light orange. The color changes associated with these reformulations are the result of customer feedback indicating a desire to more easily assess the amount of grease applied. The light orange color allows for more exact application, ultimately saving the customer money.

"With the new light orange color, users of Mobilgrease CM-W and Mobilgrease CM-S can enjoy the benefit of precise measurement in their grease application. This is a customer-driven change that saves both time and money while giving users the confidence that their equipment is properly lubricated."

In addition to the change in composition and color, Mobil customers will notice name changes in several of these improved greases. The name change affects Mobilgrease HP and Mobilgrease Special, which will now be called Mobilgrease XHP 222 and Mobilgrease XHP 222 Special, respectively. The name changes allow for consistency among Mobil's global grease line.

"While it's the changes in name and color that our customers will notice, it's the Mobil technology and research that will continue to provide the superior protection and reliability that they have come to expect," said Velkoff.

Mobil Corporation, headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, is a leading global oil, natural gas and petrochemical company whose subsidiaries have operations in more than 140 countries. In the U.S., the company markets gasoline in 28 states and the District of Columbia through its more than 7,200 Mobil branded service stations. Mobil and its predecessor companies have manufactured and marketed high quality lubricants for automotive and industrial applications for more than 130 years.

In the lubricants market, Mobil is widely recognized as the leader in lubricants technology and is the marketer of Mobil Delvac 1, which was named 1998 Product of the Year by Hart's Lubricants World. Mobil also provides Mobil Diesel PowerPlus, a premium diesel fuel, which is available nationwide at participating Petro Stopping Centers and Mobil locations.

Additional information regarding Mobil products can be found at www.mobil.com/delvac or by calling 1-800-662-4525 in the U.S., and 1-888-662-4582 in Canada.

(For convenience, the term "Mobil" is sometimes used in this release as an abbreviated reference to specific affiliates of Mobil Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.)