Concerns over possible damage to automobile fuel systems limited consumer acceptance of the methanol blend and damaged the company's image. Management decided to concentrate on the West Coast market and ARCO sold off its Northeastern interests in 1985. Some were acquired by Shell, notably in New Jersey, but the larger portion went to a new company controlled by Dutch banker and oil trader John Deuss.
Concerns about potential damage to automobile fuel systems hindered consumer acceptance of the methanol blend, damaging ARCO's image. Management decided to concentrate on the West Coast market and ARCO sold off its Northeastern interests in 1985. Some were acquired by Shell, particularly in New Jersey, but the majority went to a new company controlled by Dutch banker John Deuss.