The History of Mobil Delvac™
A lot of things have changed since 1925, when Mobil Delvac became one of the world’s first diesel engine oils. Our commitment to the trucking industry, however, has remained very much the same. In its 90-year history, Mobil Delvac has responded to the industry’s ever-evolving needs with continued innovation and performance.
From the pioneering efforts of early owner/operators to today’s large and sophisticated fleets, from the days of dirt roads to our era of super-highways, Mobil Delvac has been there to help the industry advance. It’s been a twisting, turning ride full of challenges met and obstacles overcome. As we look back on our history in the timeline below, we also look forward to the road ahead — and to keeping trucks on it.
90 years of innovation
1952 - Pioneering new technology
With the use of diesel engines growing significantly in the trucking industry, the Vacuum Oil Company files the patent for one of the first diesel engine oils, named Delvac: Diesel Engine Lubricant VAC-uum.
1930s – An age of expansion
To keep pace with the explosive growth of the trucking industry, Mobil Delvac formulators make ground-breaking improvements in wear and corrosion protection.
1950s – Shifting global demands
With a potential shortage of crude oil looming, Mobil Delvac synthetic diesel engine lubricant is developed to ensure product supply for truckers.
1990s – Solutions for new challenges
As rising fuel costs and increasing competition create tough challenges for the trucking industry, Mobil Delvac formulators discover innovative ways to help protect engines for long life*, helping truckers protect their investments.
Today – Expanded service and innovation
Innovations continue with customised solutions such as oil analysis, express oil-change service (Mobil Delvac Express™), maintenance consultancy (Field Engineering Services and Mechanic Academy) and improved formulations to maximise oil drain intervals and enhance fuel economy**.
* Well-formulated oils, like Mobil Delvac, that meet or exceed industry or Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) specifications, can help protect engines or equipment. Consult OEM for optimum fluid selection. Actual results may vary depending on OEM requirements, type of equipment or engine and its maintenance, application and service conditions, and prior lubricant used. For more information, go to mobil.com/pds.
** A fuel economy evaluation was conducted using two Volvo FM440 Euro V trucks, loaded to 75 percent Gross Vehicle Weight (circa 44,000 kg). Testing was conducted on track at the Millbrook Proving Ground, Ltd. in the United Kingdom. Statistically significant fuel economy benefits were observed in the Volvo trucks, when comparing Mobil Delvac 1™ LE 5W-30 to a mineral 15W-40 engine oil, with an average fuel economy gain of 1.8 percent for highway driving conditions. Corrections were applied when changes in test environment had a statistically significant impact on fuel economy. Fuel economy improvements are dependent on vehicle/equipment type, outside temperature, driving conditions and your current fluid viscosities.
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