Valvoline Instant Oil Change inks deal with Sears Auto Centers: VIOC to expand, open at Sears in three major markets.

LEXINGTON, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 8, 1996--It's official. Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC), a division of Ashland Inc., will set up shop in 20 Sears Auto Centers in three major markets next year, including Dallas, Minneapolis/St. Paul and the Kansas City area, based on an agreement signed today.

The companies will test the concept in the initial three markets in anticipation of opening VIOC operations in more than 150 Sears Auto Centers nationwide over the next three years. VIOC, the nation's second largest quick-lube organization, will remodel, equip and operate service areas in space made available in the Sears Auto Centers.

"We're very excited about partnering with one of America's leading retailers," said VIOC President Larry Detjen, who also serves as The Valvoline Co.'s senior vice president of U.S. products. ``Retail partnering has proven to be a very effective method of providing consumers added convenience through more locations and the one-stop shopping concept.''

Sears Auto Centers offer tires and related services, batteries, brakes, shocks and struts and front-end repairs. VIOC offers a variety top-of-the line services as well, including oil changes and lubes, radiator flush and fills and 14-point maintenance checks without an appointment.

``Sears and VIOC both provide quality products and services and are committed to customer service and satisfaction,'' said Paul Baffico, president of the Sears Tire Group. ``Our services complement each other and together, will provide our customers with the convenience of one-stop shopping for many automotive services.''

VIOC is an industry leader with its Maximum Vehicle Performance (MVP) program, a state-of-the-art computer-based vehicle maintenance tracking system. The first and only national tracking system in the quick-lube industry, MVP keeps an ongoing service and mileage history for a customer's vehicle and tracks manufacturer oil and fluid recommendations and schedules.

VIOC service centers also offer free, environmentally safe used-oil disposal to help protect the environment. Anyone may drop off used motor oil for disposal. VIOC was the first major quick-lube chain to actively solicit used motor oil from do-it-yourself oil changers. VIOC has collected and recycled more than 2 million gallons of used oil.

Sears, Roebuck and Co. is a leading U.S. retailer of apparel, home and automotive services, with annual revenues of more than $34 billion. Its network of 2,500 automotive product and service outlets includes Sears Auto Centers, Western Auto, NTW, Parts America and Tire America.

VIOC is based in Lexington, Ky., and has nearly 500 service centers in 30 states, including 125 franchise stores.

CONTACT: Mark Henry, VIOC, 606/357-7240

Sheri Gassaway, VIOC, 314/982-8622

Bob McHenry, Sears, 847/286-4682