News Releases

TORONTO, May 15, 2008 – Many Canadians are expected to hit the road this weekend, racking up hours behind the wheel and consuming litres of fuel in pursuit of the perfect long-weekend getaway. BMO and Shell remind travellers that they can lower their trip costs by following some simple fuel conservation tips listed below and by using a credit card that offers cash back or rebates.

The Shell Mosaik MasterCard from BMO Bank of Montreal offers a Premium CashBack reward option that provides customers with 3% cash back on all card purchases at Shell stations in Canada and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The card also includes a Roadside Assistance Program valued at more than $50.

Customers who apply for the Shell card through Shell stations or www.shell.ca/card will enjoy 5% cash back as part of a three month introductory offer. With fuel prices recently averaging $1.25 per litre nationally, that's a savings of six cents per litre¹.

“For most Canadians, the May long-weekend marks the official start of a spring and summer-long season of weekend road-trips with family or friends,” said Nancy Marescotti, Director, Card and Retail Payment Services, BMO Bank of Montreal. “Whether it's a trip to the cottage or just a leisurely drive along some of Canada's most remarkable country roadscapes, the cost to travel can add up pretty quickly, so make sure you're travelling with a credit card that helps put some of that cash back into your pocket.”

“Shell and BMO want to help drivers get the most out of every fuel purchase by incorporating simple fuel saving tips,” said Todd Gulbransen, Customer Loyalty Advisor, Shell Canada Products. “With modest adjustments to their vehicles and driving habits, long-weekend road travellers can stretch their fuel dollars regardless of their destination.”

Fuel Saving Tips

• Replace dirty or clogged air filters. A clean air filter can improve your gas mileage by as much as 10%.
• Use cruise control. Its use on major roads when it is safe to do so, helps maintain a constant speed and, in many cases, will reduce fuel consumption.
• Use air conditioning sparingly. Using an air conditioner during city driving can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%.
• Avoid idling. It gets you nowhere and you're still burning fuel!
• Avoid higher speeds. Generally, increasing your speed from 100 km/h to 120 km/h will increase fuel consumption by about 20%.
• Keep your tires properly inflated. A tire that is under-inflated by just two psi (14kPa) can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 2%.
• Lighten your load. An extra 45 kilograms can increase your fuel costs by 2%. Don't carry baggage, tools, food or equipment that you're not going to use. Remember, you're on a weekend getaway, not a six month trek across the Andes!
• Remove bicycle racks and roof racks when you arrive. Sure they double as handy clothes lines at the campsite, but carrier racks increase drag and fuel consumption by as much as 5%. If you're going to drive after you arrive, do the smart thing and remove these gas robbers until you head back home.
• Plan your route. Check with local auto associations to map out the shortest route to your destination and to help you avoid construction zones. The fewer miles you drive the less fuel you will use.
  
  For more fuel saving tips and to apply for the new Shell Mosaik MasterCard from BMO, visit www.shell.ca/fuelstretch. Consumers can also apply at www.bmo.com or by visiting any BMO branch or Shell station.

¹ Based on the national average regular unleaded gasoline price for the week of May 6, 2008 as published by Natural Resources Canada.

� Registered trade-mark of Shell Canada Limited. Used under license by Shell Canada Products.
� * Trade-marks/registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal

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