LEXINGTON, Ky., Jan. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Founded
in 1866, Valvoline™ – the petroleum industry's first U.S.
trademarked motor oil brand whose lubricants, chemicals and car
products are available in more than 160 countries and territories
worldwide – has officially launched its 150th anniversary
celebration, which will continue throughout the 2016 calendar year
and include a series of commemorative initiatives.
"The unprecedented 150-year history of Valvoline is truly a
milestone to be celebrated, with a heritage rivaling that of
Budweiser, Johnson & Johnson, General Electric and Ford Motor
Company, among others," said Sam
Mitchell, Valvoline president. "We look forward to
celebrating our storied history around the world as 2016
progresses."
Among other highlights of Valvoline's commemorative efforts for
2016 are the upcoming announcements of multiple alignments with
public figures in the auto enthusiast, professional sports, social
media and general consumer spheres – in addition to a heightened
advertising presence on multiple networks and digital platforms.
Valvoline will also soon unveil a new online community, which will
include specially produced videos, articles and other engaging
content, as well as a members-only rewards program.
"There's so much for us as a brand to look forward to as 2016
unfolds, and we are thrilled to be driving efforts for what will be
a fantastic year of history and a celebration of the innovative
American spirit that has produced our 150 years of success," said
Jamal Muashsher, Valvoline's
director of marketing for global brands.
Key Valvoline brand milestones spanning 15 decades include:
- 1866: Dr. John Ellis
founded Valvoline in 1866 when he discovered the lubricating
properties of distilled crude oil, formulating the world's first
petroleum-based lubricant. Valvoline™ oil was officially
trademarked in 1873.
- 1895: The first-ever car race organized in North America was held in Chicago, Illinois, in 1895. The Valvoline
lubricated, two-cylinder, one-and-three-quarter horsepower car won
first place. And from this point forward, Valvoline would cement
itself in racing culture. Today, team Valvoline™ races in numerous
high-performance series worldwide.
- Early 1900s: As Valvoline entered the 20th century, it
continued to gain traction in the auto world and became a
recommended oil for the iconic Ford Model T, making Valvoline a
household name as vehicle ownership rapidly expanded. The brand
extended its product offerings internationally, and Valvoline's
groundbreaking innovation continued, successfully pioneering one of
the world's first aircraft engine motor oils (1910).
- 1939: Valvoline developed X-18, the first all-purpose
gear oil. This innovation reduced mechanic shop product inventory
and exceeded manufacturer specifications of that time.
- 1942-1945: Valvoline oil was widely used to lubricate
allied vehicles throughout the duration of World War II.
- 1950: In 1950, Ashland Oil Inc. of Kentucky acquired Valvoline, ushering in a new
era of innovation. In 1954, and with automakers shifting to
powerful overhead valve v8 engines, Valvoline developed its
All-Climate™ Motor Oil – eliminating the need for seasonal oil
changes.
- 1965: Valvoline introduced Valvoline™ Racing Motor Oil
to the world in the mid 1960s. Its superior technology was
developed to better protect engines in high-stress situations and
met the needs of the "muscle car craze" of the era. Used in
multiple forms of racing, Valvoline racing oil became, and remains
to this day, the best-selling racing oil of all time.
- 1970s-1980s: During this era, Valvoline won in the Indy
500 (1970), NASCAR Daytona 500 (1972) and gained its first Formula
One World Championship (1978). In the 1980s, a string of Valvoline
cars, driven by some of racings biggest legends, raced first across
finish lines around the world. Valvoline also became an operator of
its own service centers (1987), making Valvoline unique among its
global competitors.
- 1990s: In 1996, Valvoline again led in product
innovation with the introduction of Durablend™, its first synthetic
blend motor oil. This development brought the many benefits of
synthetic to a broader consumer base and pioneered protection for
the smaller, high-RPM engines of the day.
- Early 2000s: While others were focused on new engines,
Valvoline was busy tearing apart older ones to make them run
better, as consumers began holding on to their vehicles for longer
periods of time. The result was Valvoline's 2000 launch of Maxlife™
High Mileage Motor Oil – the first motor oil specifically
engineered with technology that provides increased longevity for
cars over 75,000 miles. Over the next 10 years, others would follow
Valvoline's lead, and the category of high mileage oil became an
industry staple. In 2005, Valvoline centers performed their 100
millionth vehicle service.
- 2010-2015: In 2011, Valvoline reported $2 billion in global sales. Two years later,
Hendrick Motorsports announced a
multi-year NASCAR agreement with Valvoline. A new plant was opened
in India in 2014 – bringing the
total of blending and packaging plants worldwide to 60. Product
innovations continued with the release of NextGen™, a premium
lubricant that also saves energy in production.
- 2016: Valvoline is celebrating its 150th anniversary
stateside and across the globe. Additionally, Valvoline Instant Oil
ChangeSM centers are expected to perform their 200
millionth oil change during the year.
"We are extremely proud of how far we have come as a company –
but we are also motivated by where we hope to go," added Mitchell.
"Our plans, products and service programs ensure that Valvoline
will keep the world moving for the next 150 years. And as a company
that is truly never idle, we want the world to know that we are
just getting started."
For additional product and company information, please visit
Valvoline.com or follow the brand via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
and YouTube to stay up to date on company news, announcements and
product promotions.
ABOUT VALVOLINE™:
Valvoline™, a brand of Ashland Inc.
(NYSE: ASH), is a leading, worldwide producer and distributor of
premium-branded automotive, commercial and industrial lubricants,
and automotive chemicals. It ranks as the #2 quick-lube chain and
#3 passenger car motor oil brand in the
United States. The brand operates and franchises
approximately 940 Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeSM centers
in the United States. It also
markets Valvoline™ lubricants and automotive chemicals,
MaxLife™ lubricants created for higher-mileage
engines. SynPower™ synthetic motor oil, and
Zerex™antifreeze. For more information, please visit
Valvoline.com.
* Trademark owned by a third party
™Trademark, Ashland or its
subsidiaries, registered in various countries
SMService mark, Ashland
or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries
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SOURCE Valvoline