. These store-brand products are typically significantly cheaper than name brands due to a low need for things like advertising. In the case of Dollar General, the […] "'Pin It")
Dollar General Faces Lawsuits Over Allegedly ‘Obsolete’ Motor Oils
Photo: Dvortygirl
It is fairly common practice nowadays for large stores like Kroger and Wal-Mart to come up with house-branded merchandise (ever notice how no other stores sell “Great Value” products?). These store-brand products are typically significantly cheaper than name brands due to a low need for things like advertising.
In the case of Dollar General, the in-store branding also extends to motor oils. In this case, it may have been a better idea to go for the name brand, as 16 lawsuits have cropped up across the nation alleging that the discount store chain has been selling oil that the American Petroleum Institute (which sets petroleum industry standards) considers to be obsolete and absolutely unsuitable for modern cars.
Awkward…
In fact, Dollar General agrees that the oil is not for modern cars, as a warning is printed in the slim text on the back that the oil is not intended for “engines built after 1988.” The lawsuits specifically allege that Dollar General did not give adequate warning that the oil is not for modern cars while being sold alongside name brands that are.
Another oil type sold by Dollar General for small engines like in some lawnmowers or compressors carries a similar warning, except that that oil isn’t intended for engines “built after 1930.”
Dollar General intends to make a fight out of it, saying in a statement that, “We are confident that our DG-branded motor oil products meet not only our standards for quality and value, but also all applicable federal and state labeling requirements where they are sold. In addition, the labeling on these products contains obvious and unambiguous language regarding the products’ intended and appropriate use. Dollar General intends to vigorously defend against the claims raised in the recently-filed lawsuits regarding these products, including the filing of motions seeking their dismissal.”
News Source: ABC News
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