Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco Branded Fuels Announce New Findings on Millennials' Gasoline Buying Habits

80 Percent of Young Drivers Claim to be Knowledgeable about Proper Car Care, But Their Behavior at the Pump Says Otherwise

HOUSTON--Sept. 6, 2012: Leading gas station chains Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco today released the results of a nationwide survey that evaluated millennials' gas purchasing habits and decisions. The survey, taken by 1,018 American men and women age 21-30 who drive and are primary purchasers of gasoline, reveals that nearly half (49 percent) regularly fuel up with unbranded gasoline, despite the fact that it is known to cause engine deposit build-up over time that can inhibit gas mileage and engine performance. While 84 percent of respondents say they are more likely to care about their car's engine performance than its appearance, one in four (25 percent) millennial drivers admits they are not putting the best gas into their cars for long-term auto health. What's driving these contradictory gas decisions for today's millennial drivers? Price.

Survey findings prove that for more than half (54 percent) of those polled, cost is the most important factor when selecting which gas to use. In fact, 55 percent of respondents think the type of gas they use does matter for performance, but only 42 percent are likely to take the brand at the pump into consideration before purchasing. And while nearly half of respondents (41 percent) think additives signify quality gas, only three percent think this feature is key when selecting their gas.

"What this survey tells us is that millennial drivers care about their cars, but they're quick to use the gas that they think will save money in the short-term, without considering the performance impacts the resulting engine build-up may be causing long-term," said Tami Walker, Manager, U.S. Fuels Brand Management for Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco. "We know that TOP TIER Detergent Gasolines, like our fuels, which offer more detergent additives than legally required, improve car performance almost immediately. We're committed to demonstrating to young drivers the value and benefits from Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco branded gas, and consistently offering high quality fuels that provide cleaner intake valves and fuel injectors within the first five fill-ups."

According to the survey, 98 percent of millennial drivers who use inferior gas would upgrade, with 45 percent willing to switch if superior or branded gas increased gas mileage and 35 percent willing to make the change if they believed there was a difference in the quality of the gas.

"Millennials think they're saving money by seeking out cheaper gas, but what they don't realize is that the unbranded gasoline they're buying actually can cost them money in the long run by compromising their fuel economy and causing build-up in their engine," said Jessi Lang, host of Motor Trend's "Wide Open Throttle" and Phillips 66 spokesperson. "By using branded TOP TIER gas like Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco, these drivers can clean up their engines and accrue significant savings over time-- especially now that these brands have had the detergent additive treat rate increased by more than 25 percent in all fuel grades."

This survey was conducted by Kelton between July 19-25, 2012, among 1,018 American men and women age 21-30 who drive and are primary gasoline purchasers, using an email invitation and an online survey. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation.