Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc, a leading global energy company manufacturing technologically advanced oil products, and Maserati SpA., a major brand in the motor vehicle sector as a symbol of prestige, elegance and luxury, have just signed a new technical and commercial global co-operation agreement.

The agreement was signed by Maserati Chief Executive Officer Roberto Ronchi while Shell was represented by Rob Miesen - Shell Lubricants General Manager Sales Mediterranean and provides for the recommendation by Maserati of Shell's Automotive Fluids as the exclusive recommended automotive fluids for use in all Maserati vehicles. A further agreement signed by the parties appoints Shell as the Premier Sponsor of the Maserati Corse activities at international level and as a co-sponsor of Master Maserati, a driving course which the Italian automaker provides to promote safe and advanced driving skills for customers and prospective customers.

This alliance is a result of the solid, successful tradition which both companies promote in their respective fields of activity and by their sharing values such as excellence in attention to the customer, pride in tradition, innovation and technological leadership.

The Shell Group markets its products through approximately 45,000 retail service stations around the world making it one of the largest fuel retailers in the world. Shell's brands are also some of the most well-known brands in the world and Shell Lubricants are the No.1 branded lubricants globally. Shell Lubricants brands, product technology and operational excellence are helping to make Shell the choice of customers around the world. Shell products and services are the result of the Shell Group's technological leadership and of its constant investment in innovation and quality research. For example, the differentiated fuels of the Shell V Power product range and the innovative range of Shell Helix car lubes contain special additives that keep engine surfaces clean and actively prevent deposits from accumulating.

Maserati is one of the most prestigious brands in the motor vehicle sector. For over ninety years it has been manufacturing unique cars that are renowned for their elegant shapes, high performance levels and technical innovation.
 

With their four-door car (the Quattroporte), Maserati created a new segment of "sports luxury sedans" while on the race track Maserati hopes to build on its Formula 1 world championship award and FIA GT1 Constructors' Cup in 2005 and Pilots' award in 2006 with victory in the 500 Miles at Indianapolis.

Shell lubricants manufacturing companies are global leaders in branded lubricants and market Shell lubricants in approximately 120 countries worldwide. They manufacture and blend products for use in a range of applications from consumer motoring to food processing and heavy industry to commercial transport. Shell's portfolio of lubricant brands appeals to top tier and mass market consumer segments and includes Pennzoil, Quaker State, Shell Helix, Shell Tellus, Shell Cassida, Shell Rimula, Shell Spirax, Tongyi, a portfolio of car care products and Jiffy Lube and Shell Autoserv services.