Study: Phillips 66, 76, Conoco fuels reveal millennials' gasoline buying habits

Leading gas station chains Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco 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.

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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," says 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," says 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."

To learn more about Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco, please visit www.phillips66.com.

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.

About The Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco Fuel Brands

Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco are leading fuel brands owned by Phillips 66 Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Phillips 66, and their TOP TIER Detergent Gasolines are sold at more than 7,000 retail fuel sites in the U.S., collectively. The Phillips 66 fuel brand, with its distinctive shield icon, has been serving the needs of the motoring public since 1927. With its iconic red ball, the 76 brand provides TOP TIER Detergent Gasolines that are sold at more than 1,900 retail fuel sites on the West Coast. For nearly 100 years, the Conoco brand has been providing high-performance petroleum products which are currently sold at more than 2,400 retail fuel sites. For more information, visit Phillips 66's U.S. Consumer Brands webpage.

About Phillips 66

Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 is an advantaged downstream energy company, with segment-leading Refining and Marketing (R&M), Midstream and Chemicals businesses. The company has approximately 14,000 employees worldwide. Phillips 66's R&M operations include 15 refineries with a net crude oil capacity of 2.2 million barrels per day, 10,000 branded marketing outlets, and 15,000 miles of pipeline systems. In Midstream, the company primarily conducts operations through its 50 percent interest in DCP Midstream, LLC, one of the largest natural gas gatherers and processors in the United States, with 7.2 billion cubic feet per day of gross natural gas processing capacity. Phillips 66's Chemicals business is conducted through its 50 percent interest in Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, one of the world's top producers of olefins and polyolefins with more than 30 billion pounds of net annual chemicals processing capacity across its product lines. For more information, visit www.phillips66.com.