Ashland's Valvoline Instant Oil Change Opens It's Second Store in Shanghai, China

SHANGHAI, China, March 6, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Capitalizing on the opening of its first store in Shanghai, China, Valvoline, a division of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), today announced the opening of the second Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC) store in that city. The store, located at No. 1126 Hong Xu Road in Shanghai, opened immediately after receiving its business license, and features two automobile service bays and one bay dedicated to car detailing.

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"The opening of our second store, less than one year after our first, emphasizes our commitment to the Chinese market," said Craig Moughler, senior vice president, Valvoline International. "We are proud of the outstanding effort and dedication our team in China has put forth to make our second store opening a reality."

VIOC in China operates as Valvoline Automotive Service (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a joint venture with Shanghai Shibei Industrial New Zone Investment & Management Co., Ltd., that was established to provide car-related services, such as oil changes and other preventative maintenance services.

VIOC's second store offers a complete fluid maintenance program, including draining and replacing motor oil; installing a new oil filter; lubricating the vehicle; checking and refilling tire pressure and fluids for the power steering, battery, windshield washers, coolant system, transmission, differential and transfer case; and inspecting the air filter, breather filter, windshield wiper blades and radiator cap. The store also offers additional maintenance services if applicable.

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^® appearance products, Car Brite^® car restoration products, Zerex^® antifreeze, SynPower^® performance products, Pyroil^® automotive chemicals and MaxLife^® products created for higher-mileage engines. Valvoline also has a stake in the growing quick-lube market with its Valvoline Instant Oil Change unit. Valvoline is the Official Lubricant and Automotive Product Supplier of the 2005 Buick V8 Supercars Championship China Round. Find more information at www.valvoline.com.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a Fortune 500 chemical and transportation construction company providing products, services and customer solutions throughout the world. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.

SOURCE Ashland Inc.

Lin Bian, +86 (21) 2402-4790, or lbian@ashland.com, or Jim Vitak, Media Relations,
+1-614-790-3715, or jevitak@ashland.com, both of Ashland Inc.

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