ExxonMobil today announced the VW Group has approved its new Mobil 1 ESP formula 5 W-30 engine oil for VW  504.00 and 507.00 specifications.

The news is the latest milestone in the Mobil 1 history, following the international unveiling of its new Emission System Protection (ESP) engine oil technology at the end of 2004.

New ESP technology, while developed for diesel engines, is also suitable for petrol cars. ExxonMobil says it helps protect and prolong the life of both diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and catalytic converters (CATs).

Current engine oil technology is not designed to limit the amount of oil-derived ash in the exhaust which could block the DPF and inhibit its ability to capture particulate material.