Valvoline Instant Oil Change Paves Way for Rapid Expansion in Dallas

Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC), one of the largest chains of automotive service providers in the United States, launched a program today designed to put qualified investors in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex on the fast track to becoming quick lube operators. With plans to grow from four to 25 locations here over the next several years, the company announced it would immediately begin developing properties, tackling several of the most critical and difficult initial stages, before selling them to franchisees.

"We believe that by taking control of the development process, we can grow with greater speed and efficiency," says David Young, Franchise sales manager for VIOC. "Our goal is to add up to six franchisees in Dallas, each with the financial strength and willingness to open four to five locations. This program will significantly shorten the time for them between signing an agreement and opening for business."

With this innovative program, VIOC will handle selection, purchasing, permitting and construction of choice locations - steps that can take as long as 16 months - allowing the company to present new franchisees with "ready to go" opportunities at the time of signing. Three properties are already under contract and VIOC is currently reviewing several more, with a goal of opening two service centers by the end of its fiscal year on September 30. 

Dallas Seen As A Perfect Test Market

Dallas is an ideal market in which to launch VIOC's new turnkey franchise program, Young explains, because it holds great potential for growth but has stiff competition for affordable, premium real estate. Dallas is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, enjoys strong Valvoline brand recognition and is experiencing a growing trend toward do-it-for-me (vs. do-it-yourself) automotive services such as VIOC provides. Also, because Valvoline directly distributes its products here, VIOC can supply franchisees efficiently and economically.

"We've already received several calls about opportunities here," Young says, "and when they learned we were putting a program together to help them avoid the typically tie-up with development, they were even more eager to pursue opportunities with us. One of the main reasons why people join our franchise system is to receive support that lets them focus on building long-standing relationships with loyal customers, and our new turnkey program is one more way we let them focus on serving customers instead of being stuck behind the scenes."

Last month, VIOC signed its first franchisee under the new turnkey program. Dallas-based Phillip and Susan Cerpanya, operating as Mustang Lube and Oil, are scheduled to assume ownership of one of the locations set to open this year. The husband-and-wife team, both financial professionals, invested in a VIOC franchise as an alternative to the stock market.

Upon successful implementation here, VIOC plans to explore other markets in which it will replicate its turnkey program. Entrepreneurs and investors are now being sought for opportunities throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and should possess $600,000 net worth with $450,000 in liquid assets, as well as a willingness to open and operate multiple locations. Other opportunities are available throughout the country and financial requirements may vary. VIOC provides generous financing for those who qualify and offers competitive franchise fees. 

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.

VIOC is a division of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), a 78-year-old Fortune 500 company.