The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

The Armor All/STP Products Company and Afton Chemical Corporation Sign Agreement to Offer STP(R) Performance Additives to Gasoline Marketers

RICHMOND, Va.--June 29, 2006--The Armor All/STP Products Company (AASTP) and Afton Chemical Corporation (Afton) today announced an agreement that designates Afton as AASTP's exclusive licensing agent for performance additives, branded with the STP(R) mark, to gasoline marketers in North America. AASTP is a leading manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of retail additive products that help improve vehicle performance. Afton is a leading manufacturer of gasoline additives with a customer list that includes many gasoline marketers.

This agreement enables selected gasoline marketers who purchase qualifying additives from Afton and enter into a trademark licensing agreement with AASTP to use STP(R) logos at their retail sites and at the pump in association with the additives that are pre-blended in their gasoline. The gasoline fortified with STP(R) branded additives may also be associated with performance claims supported by Afton's extensive laboratory testing.

"The STP(R) brand name is one of the most recognized automotive additive brands in the world," said Steven Silberblatt, Vice President of Business Development for The Clorox Company, the parent company of AASTP. "The STP(R) trademark has a strong association with products that work to improve vehicle performance. We are pleased to enter into an agreement with Afton Chemical to extend the STP(R) mark into high quality additives pre-blended in the gasoline," he said.

According to Jackson Davis, Afton Marketing Director, "We understand the pressures most gasoline marketers face with today's volatile fuel costs. By showcasing the STP(R) brand as an integral part of their blends, those marketers can quickly communicate a compelling brand message. We believe this a significant opportunity for select marketers to increase consumer loyalty, gasoline sales, and convenience store sales."

Marathon Petroleum Company LLC (MPC) will be the first gasoline marketer to participate in the program. The marketing of gasolines with STP(R) branded additives, using a unique formulation, will be undertaken across MPC's Marathon(R) branded network on an exclusive basis in its marketing territory over the second half of 2006.

Rob Shama, Afton Vice-President Sales & Marketing, added "This co-branding arrangement is just the latest example of the innovative solutions developed at Afton. We are passionate about bringing these solutions to the table, and look forward to working with our customers in the months ahead."

About Afton Chemical

Afton Chemical Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of NewMarket Corporation . Afton Chemical develops and manufactures petroleum additives that enhance the performance of lubricating oils and fuels to enhance their performance in machinery, vehicles, and other equipment. From custom-formulated chemical blends to market-general additive components, Afton Chemical technology helps fuels burn cleaner, engines run smoother, and machines last longer.

About Armor All/STP

The Armor All/STP Products Company is a leading manufacturer of quality car care products. The STP(R) line of products includes STP(R) Gas Treatment, STP(R) Fuel Injector and Carburetor Treatment, STP(R) Super Concentrated Fuel Injector Cleaner, STP(R) Complete Fuel System Cleaner, STP(R) Octane Booster and STP(R) Oil Stabilizer.

About Clorox

The Armor All/STP Products Company is a subsidiary of The Clorox Company, headquartered in Oakland, Calif. The Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with fiscal year 2005 revenues of $4.4 billion. Clorox markets some of consumers' most trusted and recognized brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products, Armor All(R) and STP(R) auto care products, Fresh Step(R) and Scoop Away(R) cat litters, Kingsford(R) charcoal briquets, Hidden Valley(R) and K C Masterpiece(R) dressings and sauces, Brita(R) water-filtration systems, and Glad(R) bags, wraps and containers. With 7,600 employees worldwide, the company manufactures products in 25 countries and markets them in more than 100 countries. Clorox is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where its employees work and live. Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has awarded cash grants totaling more than $62.3 million to nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges; and in fiscal year 2005 alone made product donations valued at $4.9 million. For more information about Clorox, visit www.TheCloroxCompany.com.