The history of Mobil Delvac™

For more than 100 years, Mobil Delvac™, one of the world’s first diesel engine oils, has supported the trucking industry when trying to overcome challenges with products. This support driven is by continued innovation and performance.

For the pioneering efforts of early owner-operators and today’s large and sophisticated fleets, Mobil Delvac has been there. It’s been a twisting, turning ride full of challenges met and obstacles overcome. As we look back on our history, we also look forward to the road ahead – and to keeping trucks on it. Learn more about Mobil Delvac’s 100-year journey

1892 — Invention of the diesel engine
German inventor Rudolf Diesel files a patent on the first compression-ignition design. Five years later, the first “Diesel Engine” prototype would prove to be more than 16% efficient than then-standard steam engines.
1925 — The Mobil™ Delvac™ brand is born
Vacuum Oil, a predecessor to ExxonMobil™, registers a new product: Diesel Engine Lubricant by Vacuum Oil. Customers would come to know it by the acronym: “DELVAC.”
1929 — Paulsboro Refinery
Vacuum Oil begins manufacturing lubricant oil at refinery near Paulsboro, New Jersey. The site would eventually become a central production and research facility.
1937 - Oil refining improvements
Researchers like Dr. Carlton H. Schlesman, head of research and development at Socony-Vacuum Oil Company (pictured) help make dramatic improvements in oil refining.
1940 — The Dawn of Diesel
In the 1940s diesel engines begin to dominate industry. Discover how this technology reshaped how people lived and worked around the world in The Dawn of Diesel.
1952 — Revolutionizing the mining industry
The Standard Oil Company of New Jersey released Uniflo™ Multigrade, the first multigrade motor oil recommended for both summer and winter use.
1961 — Delvac™ Special
Mobil™ releases a balanced engine oil designed to work with commercial vehicles in all services.
1964 — First use of the modern Mobil™ logo
Designed by Tom Geismar from the design first Chermayeff & Geismar, the modern logo captures the simplicity, efficiency, and quality that has set the Mobil brand apart since the beginning.
1977 — Synthetics arrive
Mobil introduces its first synthetic heavy duty engine oil—Mobil Delvac SHC™. Learn more about where synthetic lubricants came from, and what they have made possible, in The Power of Synthetics.
1993 — Big dig in China
Mobil Delvac lubricants support the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world.
1999 — The choice for truck stops
Mobil Delvac™ became the featured brand of heavy-duty diesel engine oil for all Petro Stopping Centers®, now part of TA Truck Services, the largest truck stop chain in the United States at the time.
2005 — Setting the speed record
A Kenworth T400 using Mobil Delvac lubricants is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Fastest Diesel-Powered Truck with a top speed of 113mph (182kph).
2014 — Racing to green
NASCAR^® announces that Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30 synthetic diesel engine oil will be used as part of the NASCAR^® Race to Green™ initiative.
2022 — Energy efficiency for heavy duty trucks
In 2022, Mobil Delvac CK-4 products received the Energy Conservation Certification from the China Energy Conservation Association, highlighting the exceptional quality and fuel economy benefits.
2023 — Packaging Innovation in India
The Mobil Delvac team commits to using 50% post-consumer recycled pails for all branded lubricant products.
2024 — Unstoppable Care-avan
The Mobil Delvac team makes an impact in North America. As trucks drove 1 million miles across North America without an oil change, we helped connect kids in need with one million meals.
2025 — 100 years and beyond
In our next century, we will continue to innovate and work with our customers to meet evolving lubricant demands.