Prices for motor oils and other finished lubricants are on the rise. Two major suppliers announced price hikes this month and observers expect others to follow suit. And that could be just the beginning, with a new engine oil specification expected to spur further markups later this year. That might sound like cause for celebration on the part of motor oil suppliers, but at least some sources warn that increases may not be well received by the market. Furthermore, some blenders complain that inc...

Castrol Consumer North America is promoting its Syntec motor oils to the MTV generation by sponsoring a new television program about makeovers for cars. The name of the program, Pimp My Ride, might raise eyebrows for some, but Castrol officials predicted viewers will appreciate its slang meaning and that some of them will be won over to the Syntec brand. The young people who are watching the show are going to understand that Pimp My Ride means customize my car, Syntec Marketing Manager Mike DeBi...