A friend on the lotus list sent this to me. Sorry if you have seen it, this
is the first I've heard of it.
dan
>
>FOR RELEASE: JULY 16, 1996
>
>
>
> QUAKER STATE ADS FOR SLICK 50
> ARE FALSE AND MISLEADING, FTC CHARGES >
>The Federal Trade Commission has charged Quaker State - Slick 50, Inc.,
>the manufacturer of Slick 50, the best-selling auto engine treatment in
>the U.S., with making false and unsubstantiated advertising claims.
>According to the FTC, ads for Slick 50 that tout tests showing improved
>engine performance are false and its claims of reduced engine wear are
>unsubstantiated.
>
>Quaker State - Slick 50 is based in Houston, Texas. Since its 1978
>introduction, Slick 50 has attracted about 30 million users world-wide.
Slick 50 retails for about $18 a quart, and the company claims to have
about 60% of the engine treatment market.
>
>"Slick 50's ads claim that compared to motor oil alone, it reduces engine
>wear, lengthens engine life, and provides a host of other benefits. The
>claims sound good, but the evidence doesn't back them up," said Jodie
>Bernstein, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "We believe
>the ads exaggerate the lack of protection motor oils provide modern engines
>at start-up, as well as the risk of premature engine failure. The
>premature engine failure Slick 50 claims to guard against is uncommon, and
>the company lacks reliable evidence it would be prevented by using Slick 50,
>in any case," she said. "In fact, all the evidence we've seen so far suggests
>that the best thing you can do for your car's engine is to get an oil change
>performed at manufacturer recommended intervals," she said. "People who want
>to maximize their automobile performance and enhance its long life should
>read the owner's manual and follow the directions."
>
>Slick 50 is the most recent in a series of FTC cases challenging
>allegedly deceptive ad claims for oil additives or high octane fuel.
>"Last year, STP Corporation and its parent corporation, First Brands,
>paid an $888,000 civil penalty to settle FTC charges that they were
>making false and unsubstantiated claims for their engine treatment,"
>Bernstein said.
>
>According to the FTC complaint detailing the charges in this case, Slick
>50 aired television and radio commercials and published brochures carrying
>claims such as:
>
> "Every time you cold start your car without Slick 50 protection,
> metal grinds against metal in your engine...
>
> " With each turn of the ignition you do unseen damage, because at
> cold start- up most of the oil is down in the pan. But Slick 50's
> unique chemistry bonds to engine parts. It reduces wear up to 50%
> for 50, 000 miles," and;
>
> "What makes Slick 50 Automotive Engine Formula different is an
> advanced chemical support package designed to bond a specially
> activated PTFE to the metal in your engine."
>
>According to the FTC, these claims and others falsely represented that auto
>engines generally have little or no protection from wear without Slick 50.
>It is uncommon, however, for engines to experience premature failure caused
>by wear, whether they are treated with Slick 50 or not. Finally, the FTC
>alleges that Slick 50 neither coats engine parts with a layer of PTFE nor
>meets military specifications for motor oil additives. The FTC complaint
>also specifically charges that Slick 50 did not have adequate substantiation
>for its advertising claims that, compared to motor oil alone, the product:
> reduces engine wear;
> reduces engine wear by more than 50%;
> reduces engine wear by up to 50%;
> reduces engine wear at start-up;
> extends the duration of engine life;
> lowers engine temperatures;
> reduces toxic emissions;
> increases gas mileage; and
> increases horsepower.
>
>The complaint also alleges that the company did not have adequate
>substantiation for its advertising claims that one treatment of Slick 50
>continues to reduce wear for 50,000 miles and that it has been used in a
>significant number of U.S. government vehicles.
>
>Finally, the complaint challenges ads stating that "tests prove" the
>engine wear claims made by Slick 50. In fact, according to the FTC
>complaint, tests do not prove that Slick 50 reduces engine wear at
>start up, or by 50%, or that one treatment reduces engine wear for
>50,000 miles.
>
>The order the FTC is seeking would prohibit misrepresentations about the
>benefits of using Slick 50 and require that ad claims be backed by competent
>and reliable evidence. In addition, if the facts are found as alleged, and
>issuance of a cease and desist order alone is inadequate to protect consumers,
>the Commission may require corrective advertising or other affirmative
>disclosures. It may also apply to a federal court to obtain restitution
>for consumers.
>
>The complaint also names three subsidiaries: Slick 50 Management, Inc.,
>Slick 50 Products Corp., and Slick 50 Corp.
>
>The Commission vote to issue the complaint was 5-0.
>
>NOTE: The Commission issues a complaint when it has "reason to believe"
>that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission
>that a proceeding is in the public interest. The issuance of a complaint is
>not a finding or ruling that the respondent has violated the law. The
>complaint marks the beginning of a proceeding in which the allegations
>will be ruled upon after a formal hearing.
>
>Copies of the complaint and an FTC brochure, "Penny Wise or Pump Fuelish"
>are available from the FTC's Public Reference Branch, Room 130, 6th Street
>and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580; 202-326-2222; TTY
>for the hearing impaired 202-326-2502. To find out the latest news as it is
>announced, call the FTC NewsPhone recording at 202-326-2710. FTC
>news releases and other materials also are available on the Internet at
>the FTC's World Wide Web site at: http.//www.ftc.gov
>
>MEDIA CONTACT:
>
>Claudia Bourne Farrell
>Office of Public Affairs
>202-326-2181
>
>STAFF CONTACT:
>
>Elaine D. Kolish or Mary K. Engle
>Bureau of Consumer Protection
>202-326-3042 or 202-326-3161
>
>(FTC File No. 932 3050)
>
>(Docket No. D-9280)
>(slick)
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