National Benzole Co Ltd
Other Business Names:
- Henshaw, Samuel
- National Benzole Mixture
- Shell Mex & BP Ltd
Locations city-town / local authority / county1974 / region-state / country:
- London, Greater London, Greater London, Greater London, England
Sectors:
-
Oil, coal, coke, etc, products manufacture
Coal & coke products manufacture
Notes:
Traced origins to 1919 when established by Samuel Henshaw as the marketing organisation for the pooled output of an association of benzole producers. Marketed to motor car owners as a petrol additive or, initially, substitute, to improve performance. Also supplied as aircraft fuel. 1920s-30s supply depots and road distribution/coastal tanker fleets established. From 1923 National Benzole Mixture (of benzole and petrol) marketed with great success. By 1930s dominated benzole supply industry. Heavily advertised under Mr Mercury brand. 1957 acquired by Shell Mex & BP Ltd but continued to trade separately. Due to health concerns, dropped use of benzole in early 1960s, from then on trading as 'National'. In 1990s BP ceased to use brand name
Publications:
- Forty Years of Motoring, 1919-1959. The story of National Benzole by Young, Edward P
Groups:
Other Business Names:
- Henshaw, Samuel
- National Benzole Mixture
- Shell Mex & BP Ltd
Locations city-town / local authority / county1974 / region-state / country:
- London, Greater London, Greater London, Greater London, England
Sectors:
- Oil, coal, coke, etc, products manufacture Coal & coke products manufacture
Notes:
Traced origins to 1919 when established by Samuel Henshaw as the marketing organisation for the pooled output of an association of benzole producers. Marketed to motor car owners as a petrol additive or, initially, substitute, to improve performance. Also supplied as aircraft fuel. 1920s-30s supply depots and road distribution/coastal tanker fleets established. From 1923 National Benzole Mixture (of benzole and petrol) marketed with great success. By 1930s dominated benzole supply industry. Heavily advertised under Mr Mercury brand. 1957 acquired by Shell Mex & BP Ltd but continued to trade separately. Due to health concerns, dropped use of benzole in early 1960s, from then on trading as 'National'. In 1990s BP ceased to use brand namePublications:
- Forty Years of Motoring, 1919-1959. The story of National Benzole by Young, Edward P