Leading Automotive Retailer Enters Into Exclusive Partnership With Valvoline To Provide Lubricant Products to Its Dealerships

LEXINGTON, Ky., Sept. 11 -- Valvoline today announced an agreement with leading automotive retailer Group 1 Automotive, Inc. , that will see Valvoline premium products offered at the company's U.S. dealerships.

The marketing and supply agreement is only the latest announcement related to the Ashland Inc. division's increasing emphasis on North America's "do-it- for-me" or DIFM business.

"We see this agreement as a complement to Group 1's quality customer service," said Valvoline President Sam Mitchell. "Providing premium solutions to dealerships and their customers is a key to our DIFM business strategy."

Houston-based Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 500 automotive retailer, is a leading operator in the $1 trillion automotive retailing industry and has grown to become one of the top five dealership groups in the United States. Group 1 owns and operates nearly 100 dealerships that sell 32 brands of automobiles in the United States.

"Our relationship with an iconic American brand like Valvoline will further strengthen our customer service experience and standardize our business processes to improve the performance of our dealerships," said Earl J. Hesterberg, Group 1's president and chief executive officer. "Through this supplier relationship we are streamlining our supply chain, leveraging our scale and continuing to deliver value to our shareholders."

About Valvoline

Valvoline, a division of Ashland Inc., has been serving American motorists longer than any other motor oil company and is a leading innovator and supplier of quality, high-performing automotive and industrial products in more than 100 countries. Best known for its lubricants, Valvoline also markets Eagle One(R) appearance products, Car Brite(R) car restoration products, Zerex(R) antifreeze, SynPower(R) performance products, Pyroil(R) automotive chemicals and MaxLife(R) products created for higher-mileage engines.

About Ashland Inc.

Ashland Inc. , a diversified, global chemical company, provides quality products, services and solutions to customers in more than 100 countries. A FORTUNE 500 company, it operates through four divisions: Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Distribution, Valvoline and Ashland Water Technologies. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.

About Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

Group 1 owns and operates 99 automotive dealerships, 136 franchises, and 28 collision service centers in the United States and three dealerships, six franchises and two collision centers in the United Kingdom that offer 32 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships, the company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related financing, vehicle service and insurance contracts; provides maintenance and repair services; and sells replacement parts. Group 1 Automotive can be reached on the Internet at www.group1auto.com.

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