VALVOLINE INSTANT OIL CHANGE EMPLOYEE-TURNED-FRANCHISEE ROBERT TAMM OPENS FIRST SERVICE CENTER (5/01)

Bert Oil, LLC, a Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC) franchisee, opened its first Franchise center on February 16 at 2399 E. Highland Road in Highland, Mich. The site was acquired from an independent operator and converted to VIOC brand specifications. VIOC now includes 290 franchise units and 368 company locations throughout the country; 62 company locations operate in Michigan.

Bert Oil is owned and operated by former VIOC Senior Project Manager Robert Tamm, a 13-year veteran of the company. Tamm previously managed the development of corporate and franchisee locations. He is the third VIOC employee to avail himself of the company's Employee Franchise Program, which provides for fee-free franchise licenses and 100-percent financing for qualified employees joining the franchise system.

"This program is a great opportunity for VIOC because it is a testimony to our dedication both to our employees and to our system," said Tim Melchior, Vice President of VIOC Franchising. "These individuals know the system, understand our philosophies and vision and are determined to be successful in their transition from employees to business owners. It's a win-win situation: We're giving something back to our loyal personnel while building our brand."

Additional VIOC licenses are available for qualified franchise candidates in prime markets throughout the country.

VIOC's automotive fluid maintenance program includes draining and replacing motor oil, installing new Valvoline oil filters and lubricating vehicles, checking tire pressure, air filters, breather filters, windshield wiper blades, radiator caps and brake-fluid levels, and refilling fluids for the power steering, battery, windshield washer, coolant system, transmission, differential and transfer case. Filter, cap and wiper blade replacements as well as radiator and transmission flushes are available for an additional charge, and all work is backed by a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee.

VIOC also features the proprietary Maximum Vehicle Performance (MVP^TM) program, a state-of-the-art automated system that lets technicians instantly access manufacturer recommendations for products and service, tracks each vehicle's maintenance history and provides access to it at any VIOC locatio. Another proprietary program, the hands-on SuperPro^® technical certification program, maps out daily operation procedures and doubles as an ongoing, regularly updated reference source.

VIOC offers a complete turnkey investment package and provides generous financing and competitive franchise fees. The company's strategic growth plan for 2001 calls for the addition of 15 to 25 new franchisees and expansion by 45 franchisee locations. Attainment of this goal will be supported by the growing trend toward demand for 'do-it-for-me' automotive services, the brand strength of both VIOC and Valvoline, and VIOC's exceptional customer service and proven operational systems.

About VIOC

The Valvoline Company entered the quick-lube business in 1986 with the acquisition of two chains in Michigan and another in Minnesota. Two years later, the company established Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC) to operate its existing quick-lube centers and began an aggressive expansion program. VIOC is now one of the nation's largest providers of automotive fluid maintenance services. VIOC's franchise program includes unsurpassed services, products, knowledgeable personnel and technology and targets investors with the sophistication to use these assets to answer the growing demand for "do-it-for-me" automotive services.