CALTEX COMMITTED TO HONG KONG'S ENVIRONMENT

Opening of Hong Kong's First Purpose-built combined Auto LPG and Gasoline Filling Station

Hong Kong -- Caltex Oil Hong Kong today re-affirmed its commitment to creating a cleaner environment in Hong Kong with the opening of the first, purpose-built combined Auto LPG and gasoline filling station. Auto LPG contains no lead and discharges less carbon monoxide and is, therefore, a cleaner fuel.

The ceremony to celebrate the opening of this landmark station was attended by Mr Mike Stokoe, Acting Director of the Environmental Protection Department; and by Mr Chan-tim Leung, JP, Director of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.

Auto LPG and Gasoline Filling Station
Auto LPG and Gasoline Filling Station

Located in Pokfulam, the new Caltex station will have the capacity to serve over 300 Auto LPG taxis per day and can refuel four Auto LPG taxis at the same time. This is double the capacity of all testing sites and will be of great advantage to Auto LPG taxi drivers; particularly at shift-change times.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Albert Kwok, General Manager - Retail Business Unit, for Caltex Oil Hong Kong Limited, said, "We fully support the Government's initiative to improve air quality in Hong Kong. Earlier this year, Caltex complied with the Government to introduce low benzene unleaded gasoline (less than one per cent) and install vapour recovery systems at all our filling stations. And, following the recent Government announcement that it will introduce lower duty on Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) six months earlier than planned, we are bringing forward our own programme to import this fuel and hope to introduce it within the next few months.

"Caltex has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the environment," Mr Kwok continued. "In 1991, the company set up the Caltex Green Fund; the first initiative of its kind in the industry. Over the years, the company has donated more than HK$8 million for over 160 projects."

The opening of the Pokfulam station today is all the more special, as it is the 50th Caltex station to open in Hong Kong. In addition to Auto LPG, the new Pokfulam station will supply Vortex Platinum Unleaded Gasoline, Vortex Gold Unleaded Gasoline and Environmental Diesel. A Caltex Star Mart convenience store is also located on the forecourt, offering easy shopping for motorists and the local community.

"It is part of Caltex's philosophy that all our stations take an active role in the local community in which they are located," said Mr. Kwok.

 Auto LPG and Gasoline Filling Station

"This is why we are commemorating the opening of the new station by making a donation of HK$100,000 to the Ebenezer School and Home for the Visually Impaired, based on Pokfulam Road. This donation will come directly from sales made at the new station over the next couple of months."

Receiving the donation at the ceremony was Dr Simon Leung, Principal of the Ebenezer School.

About Caltex Hong Kong

Founded in 1936 as a joint venture between Chevron and Texaco, two of the world's largest oil companies, Caltex has grown to become a leading oil company with petroleum refining facilities and marketing operations in over 60 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa. The company's corporate centre is located in Singapore.

Caltex has one of the largest service station networks in Hong Kong, with a total of 50 outlets and market share of almost 30%. In addition to providing refueling services, some larger stations also feature car lubricating services and a Star Mart convenience store. The company's emphasis on delivering quality products to customers is demonstrated by its Customers 1st programme, which was introduced in the early 1990s, and its current One Stop Worth Making campaign. Caltex's philosophy focuses exclusively on determining, meeting, and exceeding the product and service needs of customers. The programme inspires a continuous effort to ensure that Caltex delivers quality products and processes throughout the organisation, and has resulted in the retail and service station operations earning ISO 9002 accreditation.