Valvoline Instant Oil Change opens 300th Franchise Service Center

Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC), one of the nation's largest providers of automotive fluid maintenance services, officially honored the opening of its 300th Franchise center with a Grand Opening celebration on August 4, 2001, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. The festivities featured customer giveaways, discounted services, a live radio broadcast and refreshments for all in attendance. VIOC corporate representatives, area residents and local media all participated in the day-long program.

The new center, which opened on June 18 at 2378 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, Calif., is operated by VIOC franchisee Fred Grund of Grund Management. This is Grund's first VIOC location as well as the first for Ventura County, Calif.

"This center truly represents a milestone to celebrate in 'grand' style, both for Grund Management and for VIOC, especially our franchise program," says Wesley. "It is a testimony to the consumer trend toward 'do-it-for-me' automotive services, which continues to create increased demand in our category. And it's equally demonstrative of the strength of our brand and our proven franchise system. With Valvoline's popularity and VIOC's exceptional customer service and systems, we anticipate continued growth in Ventura County and many markets across the country."

Growth Through Acquisition and Dedication

From its earliest days, VIOC has successfully developed its retail presence by following a philosophy of growth by acquisition and by remaining resolute in its dedication to customer service.

The chain was launched in 1986 when the Valvoline Company entered the quick-lube business with the acquisition of two chains in Michigan and another in Minnesota, combined under the name Rapid Oil Change. Two years later, Valvoline established Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC) to operate its existing quick-lube centers and began an aggressive expansion program that included offering Franchises with an emphasis on multi-unit development by its licensees. In recent years, numerous franchisees have facilitated significant growth in the VIOC franchise system themselves by acquiring small independent chains or single operations.

Additional VIOC service centers are currently under development and new locations are opening at a healthy pace. The VIOC system now includes 301 franchise units, approximately 45 percent of its total 669 locations. Since the start of its fiscal year on October 1, 2000, VIOC has added 12 new franchisees who have obtained licenses to develop a total of 27 locations. The company's strategic growth plan for 2001 calls for the addition of 15 to 25 new franchisees and expansion by 45 franchise locations.

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

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.