Valvoline™ announces strategic partnership with commercial vehicle manufacturer TAM-Durabus

BARENDRECHT, the Netherlands - Valvoline™, a leading marketer, distributor and producer of quality branded automotive and industrial products and services, announces its collaboration with TAM Durabus, a Slovenian commercial vehicle and bus manufacturer. Valvoline will become TAM's exclusive partner for lubricants and anti-corrosion products for the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions. In a multi-year collaboration, all newly built vehicles in the region will exclusively use Valvoline products in the engine, transmission and gearbox, as well as water-based underbody coatings to ensure maximum life of the bodywork.

"Our core business is manufacturing commercial vehicles and buses that meet our high engineering standards," said Holger Postl, Director TAM Durabus. "We need partners that live up to the same high standards with the right quality. We believe Valvoline is the right partner for us when it comes to lubricants and anti-corrosion products."

TAM Durabus is a leading manufacturer of airport busses. The company's vehicles are used in some of the busiest airports around the world, including Sydney (Australia), Rome (Italy), Dubai (UAE) and Beijing (China).

"At Valvoline, we are driven not only to build the highest quality products, but to build strong and productive partnerships with our customers," said Blair Boggs, vice president and general manager, Valvoline Europe. "The Valvoline brand stands for innovation and a passion for performance. With TAM Durabus, we are delighted to have found a partner who shares our values."

The partnership is one element of Valvoline's plan to expand its business in the on-road sector in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

About Ashland Consumer Markets
Ashland Consumer Markets is a leading, worldwide producer and distributor of premium-branded automotive, commercial and industrial lubricants and car-care products. In Europe, it markets Valvoline™ lubricants and automotive chemicals; MaxLife™ lubricants for cars with higher mileage engines; NextGen™ motor oil, created with 50-percent recycled, re-refined oil; SynPower™ synthetic motor oil, Tectyl™ protective products, Eagle One™ and automotive appearance products; and antifreeze. Key customers include retail auto parts stores and mass merchandisers who sell to consumers; installers, such as car dealers, repair shops and quick lubes; commercial fleets; and distributors.

About Ashland Inc.
In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, tissue and towel, and water treatment. Visit ashland.com to see the innovations we offer through our four commercial units - Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Ashland Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials and Ashland Consumer Markets.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Media Relations
Jennifer Knoblach
+31 (0)1 497 5529
jknoblach@ashland.com