The Crittenden Automotive Library

Topic: Amoco

Announced Actions for May 10, 1996

Agency: Federal Trade Commission
Date: 10 May 1996
[Non-automotive content removed.]

Applications for prior approval of transactions: The FTC has received an application for prior approval of a divestiture from the following. The application will be subject to public comment for 30 days, until June 10.

Amoco Oil Company, of Chicago, Illinois, settling charges that its “Crystal Clear Amoco Ultimate” advertising campaign included unsubstantiated claims, among others, that Amoco premium gasoline, because it is refined more than competitors’ brands, delivers superior engine performance and environmental benefits, and that its clear color demonstrates its superiority. The order requires Amoco to have competent and reliable scientific evidence to back up claims about the environmental benefits, engine performance, power, acceleration, or engine cleaning ability of any gasoline (see Feb. 22, 1996 news release for more details regarding this case; Docket No. C-3655; Commission vote on May 7, 1996 was 4-0, with Commissioner Roscoe B. Starek, III, recused). Staff contact is Joel Winston, 202-326-3153.

Copies of the documents referenced above, including Commissioner Azcuenaga’s full statement in the Litton matter, are available from the FTC’s Public Reference Branch, Room 130, at the same address; 202-326-2222; TTY for the hearing impaired 1-866-653-4261. 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:

Office of Public Affairs,
202-326-2180