Gulf to open network of service stations in Japan

Gulf Oil International to start opening gas stations in Japan after reaching an agreement with a newly formed local business.

Hisashi Kunie, owner of Gulf Racing Japan, has established a new company for this venture which will trade as Gulf Japan.

The new venture aims at converting 10% of Japan’s non-branded independent service stations to the Gulf brand. The unbranded stations are the initial targets because of their relatively quick turnaround time with plans to start with a six-month trial period of several Gulf sites, according to the company.

“We are truly excited to be launching a Gulf Fuel Retail network in Japan, one of the world’s key automotive markets,” Paul Stannard, Gulf Oil International Business Manager.

The new license for Japan was formally launched last weekend at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hour race in France.

The Gulf fuel brand is currently present at retail in 26 countries with more than 1500 outlets.