Pep Boys and Valvoline Join Forces to Help Consumers Close the Loop with Valvoline NextGen™ Motor Oil

LEXINGTON, Ky. and PHILADELPHIA, April 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Pep Boys and Valvoline are announcing a new way for consumers to unite their passion for engine performance and commitment to environmental responsibility. DIYers can now return their used oil to any of the more than 700 Pep Boys stores nationwide and purchase Valvoline NextGen motor oil to help "Close the Loop" and receive a special offer.

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

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.

"Partnering with Pep Boys is important to Valvoline's efforts to drive motor oil recycling and we're proud to be working with them," said Darryl Gaines, Valvoline Brand Manager. "Not only is NextGen second-to-none in performance, but it's also great for the environment. The Close the Loop program is a simple way to help decrease our reliance on crude oil drilling by re-using the resources we have available."

"NextGen is Valvoline performance complemented by the opportunity to help preserve our natural resources," said Glen Mone, Category Manager for Pep Boys. "We love to encourage our customers to recycle their motor oil to make their garage a little bit greener. In fact, Pep Boys has been offering recycling of oil to our customers for many, many years."

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 was put through extensive validation testing across NASCAR and NHRA earning approval from some of motorsports' top teams – including Roush Fenway Racing and Don Schumacher 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 participating Pep Boys' locations, visit www.pepboys.com.

About Valvoline
Valvoline, a brand of Ashland Inc., (NYSE: ASH) 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.

About Pep Boys
Since 1921, Pep Boys has been the nation's leading automotive aftermarket chain. With more than 7,000 service bays in more than 700 locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico, Pep Boys offers name-brand tires; automotive maintenance and repair; parts and expert advice for the Do-It-Yourselfer; commercial auto parts delivery; and fleet maintenance and repair. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP-BOYS (1-800-737-2697) or by visiting www.pepboys.com.

SOURCE Valvoline