RD Royal Dutch Petroleum Company

What's Big in 2004? America Says It's the 'Good Boy.' Shell Gasoline Announces Findings From Online Survey http://www.winthisbadboysurvey.com HOUSTON, Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recent survey of young people aged 18-34, Americans are telling "bad boys" to hit the road; and in their place, it seems to be "good boys" who are melting hearts and taking the lead in today's society. The online survey http://www.winthisbadboysurvey.com/ conducted by Shell Oil Products US showed that men and women alike believe that "good guys" are growing in popularity; a shy sensitive guy can win hearts; and a higher percentage of men prefer a woman with a quirky, free- spirited personality to one with "bombshell" looks. The Win This Bad Boy Survey was conducted as part of the MasterCard Sweepstakes at Shell, which gives customers using any MasterCard card at Shell the chance to win a "bad boy" that will never let them down -- one of 35 Chrysler Crossfires and $1,000 in free Shell V-Power(R) premium-grade gasoline. The survey asked American women age 18-34 about their attraction to the opposite sex through stereotypical actions of "bad boys" vs. "good boys." Meanwhile, American men age 18-34 took the survey to determine if their actions identify them as a "bad boy" or "good boy." The statistics that emerged seem to point to the downfall of the stereotypical "bad boy!" Good Guys Are More Popular Based on the responses from the 8,266 men and women surveyed in the United States, the answer about "good boys" vs. "bad boys" is clear. Fifty-nine percent of women surveyed prefer a "good boy" and 61 percent of men surveyed fall into that "good boy" category -- and overall both men and women leaned toward "good boy" personality traits. Men and Women Alike Prefer a Quiet Evening Key findings from the Win This Bad Boy Survey support the trend that the 21st-century American woman is looking for a "good guy." A prime example is that 55 percent of women surveyed prefer a quiet evening focused on getting to know her date. And with 57 percent of men surveyed responded the same way, the modern man and modern woman may be relieved to learn they have similar expectations when it comes to dating. Shy Guy Over a Fly Guy Another interesting observation from the survey is that the shy-guy in the corner is the most likely to catch a woman's eye at a party. In fact, 44 percent of men surveyed prefer to think of themselves as "playing it cool by the dance floor." Another 30 percent of women surveyed are drawn to the shy-guy, which just edged out the 29 percent who say that the "ring master" who keeps the party going catches their eye. Men Are Evolving As Well Based on the Win This Bad Boy Survey, 44 percent of men surveyed believe that "quirky and free-spirited" characterizes their ideal woman, while only 38 percent of men surveyed said that their ideal woman is a "beautiful bombshell." Perhaps this means men are identifying personality as an equally important trait when looking for their ideal woman. Other interesting statistics include: -- Men and women agree on callbacks: After getting a phone number, 44 percent of men surveyed and 34 percent of women surveyed prefer to stick with the "three-day rule" before calling someone back, acknowledging that a little anticipation is good for everyone -- Women are looking for the whole package: 60 percent of women surveyed think the most important characteristic to look for in a man is truly the whole package including intelligence, humor and good looks edging out both financial security and adventure. -- Women look for men with conviction: 48 percent of women prefer a guy with the motto "you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything," over such mottos as "mother knows best," "just do it" and "don't hate the player, hate the game." -- Most men believe they are "good" at heart: 70 percent of all men surveyed feel that their ex-girlfriend would say they were either the one that got away (37 percent) or a great guy -- great for someone else (35 percent). -- Men still put little effort into preparing for a date: 37 percent of men say they simply grab a comb for a quick mirror check before heading out on a date, 26 percent say they make sure their clothes pass the "smell test," while only 24 percent are detail oriented, making sure they have flowers, reservations and even arrive early. -- Men and women disagree on cars: 37 percent of women prefer a guy with a powerful SUV, something rugged and capable of an off-road adventure while 41 percent of men prefer a mint condition classic or muscle car -- anything that's fast. -- Women like a man who can shop: When it comes to shopping, 56 percent of women say they like to bring along their man when they hit the stores while 25 percent say they prefer to leave their man at home. -- Women don't like a mamma's boy: Sometimes Mother doesn't always know best. When it comes to relationships, only 4 percent of the women surveyed say they find a mamma's boy attractive. -- Men and women disagree on free time: Almost 60 percent of men surveyed spend their free time hanging out with the guys or exercising (only 30 percent of men responded that they spend their free time with their partner) where as nearly half of women surveyed responded that their men spend their free time with them. No matter where men and women fall on the "bad boy" vs. "good boy" scale, it's easy to earn a chance to win a bad boy that will never let you down. The MasterCard Sweepstakes at Shell offers consumers the chance to win a "bad boy ride" -- one of 35 Chrysler Crossfires and $1,000 worth of Shell V-Power premium-grade gasoline. Each time consumers use any MasterCard card at a Shell station they are automatically entered for a chance to win. For official sweepstakes rules or other ways to enter, click here http://www.winwithshell.com/ . The sweepstakes ends December 31, 2004. To take the survey, go to http://www.winthisbadboysurvey.com/ , and for complete survey results, please contact: Julie Law, GCI Group (/323-761-7405) *No purchase necessary. Void in MD, NJ, VA & Puerto Rico & where prohibited. PIN-based & international transactions not eligible. Starts 10/1/04. Ends 12/31/04. Restrictions apply. Exact vehicle make & model awarded subject to change at Sponsor's discretion. Shell V-Power gasoline to be awarded in the form of (10) $100 Shell V-Power Gift Cards. Visit http://www.877shell35.com/ or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: MasterCard Sweepstakes at Shell Rules, P.O. Box 13106, Bridgeport, CT 06673- 3106 for official rules and complete details. Shell Oil Products US, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company, is a leader in the refining, transportation and marketing of fuels, and has a network of nearly 7,000 branded gasoline stations in the Western United States. Shell Oil Company is a 50 percent owner of Motiva Enterprises LLC, along with Saudi Refining, Inc., which refines and markets branded products through more than 10,000 stations in the Eastern and Southern United States. Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies (NYSE:RDNYSE:SC). For more information, please visit http://www.shell.com/ DATASOURCE: Shell Oil Products US CONTACT: Julie Law of GCI Los Angeles, +1-323-930-0811, for Shell Oil Products US; or Anne Peebles of Shell Oil Products US, +1-713-241-1584, or Shell Media Line, +1-713-241-1578 Web site: http://www.shellus.com/ http://www.winthisbadboysurvey.com/ http://www.winwithshell.com/ http://www.877shell35.com/

Copyright