Windhoek, 15 May 2006: Shell Namibia today launched Shell Diesel Extra - an advanced diesel fuel, specially developed to provide Extra engine protection to diesel engines. With Shell Diesel Extra, Namibian customers are able to get the best value from their diesel vehicles since this significant improvement in diesel quality comes at no extra cost to the customer. Benchmarking of Shell Diesel Extra against other available diesel fuels has demonstrated that it represents a genuine innovation and improvement for diesel vehicle drivers in Namibia.

The launch of Shell Diesel Extra coincides with the finalisation of "Clean Fuels" in Namibia that has lead to a reduction of sulphur levels in diesel by over 80%. With these developments, Namibian customers can now capitalise on the performance and fuel economy benefits that today’s advanced diesel engines can offer. In many European markets diesel vehicles now account for more than 50% of new car registrations, and it is anticipated that this trend will manifest itself in Namibia.

Shell Diesel Extra contains an exclusive, sophisticated, advanced formulation that offers a range of unique benefits. Use of this advanced formulation protects the vehicle against corrosion in the engine fuel systems whilst the added ingredient of a corrosion inhibitor serves to control injector deposits, thereby keeping fuel injectors clean and improving combustion. An anti-foam ingredient reduces foam formation during filling.

Developed by Shell’s Research and Development team, Shell Diesel Extra was tested by putting 45 identical model cars through a gruelling endurance test covering over 700 000 kilometres. The test was carried out on ordinary road conditions and lasted for six-months - the most extensive diesel test ever conducted by Shell. "The ensuing results provide positive assurance that the unique Shell Diesel Extra formula protects the engine by keeping it clean and corrosion free" says Thobile Vumazonke, Fuels Category Manager, Shell Southern Africa.

Willie Mokgatlhe, Country Chair, Shell Namibia Limited, enthuses, "We are very excited that Shell has brought this advanced diesel fuel to Namibia - a country with untapped business potential, and look forward to ensuring the brand’s growth. The resulting benefits will also allow for lower vehicle maintenance costs and quicker filling at service stations."

The new fuel is dedicated for use in all diesel vehicles: heavy trucks, buses, mini/midi buses, leisure vehicles, bakkies, vans as well as in passenger diesel cars.

At the launch of the new, cleaner Shell Diesel Extra fuel, which has been available in Namibia since last week, are (from left): Willie Mokgatlhe (Country Chair of Shell Namibia), Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, Hon. Henock Ya Kasita and Thobile Vumazonke (Fuels Category Manager, Shell Southern Africa).