Advance Auto Parts Gives Consumers the Power to Close the Loop with Valvoline NextGen™ Motor Oil

LEXINGTON, Ky. and ROANOKE, Va., Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Advance Auto Parts and Valvoline are teaming up to bring engine performance and environmental responsibility together like never before.  Consumers can now return their used oil to any of the more than 3,300 Advance Auto Parts stores nationwide and purchase Valvoline NextGen to help "Close the Loop" and receive a special offer.

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Valvoline NextGen motor oil is made of 50 percent recycled motor oil and delivers 100 percent Valvoline quality and protection, securing optimum engine protection while lessening our dependence on foreign crude and preserving existing resources. For committing to performance and the environment by returning used oil and refilling crankcases with NextGen, Advance Auto Parts will reward those who Close the Loop with a $20 mail in gift card offer.

American cars and trucks use over three billion quarts of motor oil annually, of which 200 million gallons or more is not disposed of properly.  Using NextGen helps ensure used oil doesn't find its way into our water supply, where it can have a myriad of harmful effects; just one gallon of improperly disposed motor oil can contaminate up to one million gallons of drinking water.  Compared to non-recycled motor oil, NextGen uses 48 percent less fossil fuels, emits 40 percent less harmful and acidic emissions, and has 20 percent less global warming impact.

"We are excited about the Close the Loop program and proud to partner with Advance Auto Parts," said Darryl Gaines, Valvoline Brand Manager. "NextGen has experienced great success because it delivers optimal performance and environmental benefits. The Close the Loop program is a way to continue to encourage behavioral change that can help decrease our reliance on crude oil drilling by re-using the resources we have available."

"Using NextGen motor oil is a simple way to do the right thing while still reaping the benefits of a high-quality product," said John Lammers, Product Solutions Director at Advance Auto Parts.  "We are excited to see our customers getting on board, and as always, we are here to collect and recycle their used oil so dispose of your used oil properly and bring it in to your local Advance Auto Parts."

NextGen's introduction to the motor oil category last year turned the heads of those who put their engines to the ultimate test and seek the best in performance: professional drivers.  Last fall, NextGen technology was put through extensive validation testing across NASCAR and NHRA earning approval from some of motorsports' top teams – including Don Schumacher Racing and Roush Fenway Racing – and earning some big wins on the track.

NextGen motor oil is available in conventional and MaxLife formulations. For further product information, visit NextGen.Valvoline.com.  To locate Advance Auto Parts locations, visit www.advanceautoparts.com.

About Valvoline

Valvoline, a brand of Ashland Inc., has been serving American motorists longer than any other motor oil. The Valvoline family of products includes Eagle One™ appearance products, Car Brite™ car restoration products, Zerex™ antifreeze, SynPower™ performance products, MaxLife™ products created for higher-mileage engines and NextGen™ motor oil, created with 50 percent recycled oil. With more than 870 locations throughout the United States, Valvoline Instant Oil Change™ is a leader in serving the quick lube market.

About Ashland

In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is used every day in applications from automotive, food and beverages, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and paper and tissue to durable goods and infrastructure, including building and construction, energy and water treatment. Visit www.ashland.com to see the innovations we offer through our four commercial units -- Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials and Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline).

About Advance Auto Parts

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. As of October 8, 2011, the Company operated 3,645 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services, and on-line shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company's web site at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.

SOURCE Valvoline