Valvoline
| File:Valvoline logo.svg Logo used since 2016 | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive services |
| Founded | January 1, 1866 in Binghamton, New York, U.S. |
| Founder | Dr. John Ellis |
| Headquarters | Lexington, Kentucky , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada, Australia |
| Products | Automotive oils, additives, lubricants; automotive services including oil change and maintenance |
| Website | www |
Valvoline Inc. () is a U.S.-based automotive services enterprise headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. The company licenses the Valvoline name for its line of automotive oils, additives, and lubricants. It operates several automotive service chains including Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Great Canadian Oil Change, and Valvoline Express Care. As of , Valvoline commands a 10% share of the oil change market in the United States, ranking as the second-largest provider with more than 1,650 service centers nationwide.
History
Valvoline’s origins date back to 1866 when Dr. John Ellis developed a petroleum-based lubricant designed for steam engines, founding the business initially as the "Continuous Oil Refining Company" in Binghamton, New York. In 1868, Ellis rebranded his product as Valvoline and relocated operations to Brooklyn. The company later adopted the name "Ellis & Leonard" and moved its base to Shadyside, New Jersey. By the late 19th century, Valvoline had established a reputation through its connection with victorious race cars and was designated as the preferred oil for the Ford Model T during the early 1900s.
In 1949, Ashland Inc. acquired Freedom-Valvoline Company, bringing Valvoline under its corporate umbrella. By 2016, Valvoline accounted for roughly 37% of Ashland’s total annual revenue. The company went public via an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange on September 22, 2016, before being spun off as an independent entity by Ashland on May 5, 2017.
On August 1, 2022, Saudi Aramco purchased Valvoline’s lubricant division for $2.65 billion, reflecting its strategic initiative to expand downstream operations.
Automobile and motorcycle partnerships
Valvoline serves as the officially recommended fuel and motor oil supplier for all brands under General Motors, including Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac. Additionally, it is endorsed by all automobile and motorcycle brands within the Honda Motor Company group—covering Honda and Acura cars as well as Honda motorcycles.
NASCAR
Valvoline’s involvement in NASCAR sponsorship dates back to 1981 when it partnered with Cale Yarborough and M. C. Anderson Racing. Throughout the 1980s, Valvoline supported various teams such as Wood Brothers Racing, Ron Bouchard, and RahMoc Enterprises, achieving a milestone victory in Australia—the inaugural NASCAR race held outside North America.
In 1992, Valvoline established a prominent alliance with Roush Racing and driver Mark Martin, culminating in 27 wins—one of the sport’s most accomplished partnerships. To enhance its market presence further, executive James Rocco led Valvoline to co-own a team by acquiring part ownership in Tyler Jet Motorsports, which merged into MB2 Motorsports in 2001. With driver Johnny Benson, this team secured a victory in 2002. After divesting its stake in 2005, Valvoline shifted its sponsorship focus to Evernham Motorsports for two seasons.
In 2007, Canadian racer Patrick Carpentier joined Evernham’s roster. By 2009, Valvoline scaled back to part-time sponsorship amid team consolidations that resulted in the formation of Richard Petty Motorsports, supporting drivers like Reed Sorenson and A. J. Allmendinger. Subsequently, the brand returned to backing Roush Fenway Racing, sponsoring Matt Kenseth and Greg Biffle while also supporting Allmendinger’s No. 43 Ford at Richard Petty Motorsports. Since 2014, Valvoline has collaborated with Hendrick Motorsports, currently endorsing drivers Kyle Larson and William Byron.
Valvoline’s affiliated brands have also participated in NASCAR sponsorships: Zerex Coolant backed AK Racing and driver Alan Kulwicki from 1986 through 1990, while Aluguard Antifreeze sponsored Rusty Wallace at Blue Max Racing during the mid-1980s (1985–1986).
Other Motorsports
Valvoline has utilized motorsport sponsorships as a strategic tool to boost its brand recognition, supporting events such as the SCCA National Championship Runoffs and the Bommarito Automotive Group 500. The company has also been associated with prominent racers, including Janet Guthrie, the pioneering female driver who competed in both the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500, as well as CART competitor Al Unser Jr. during the period from 1988 to 1993.
In the Australian market, Valvoline holds the naming rights for the Sydney Speedway and is a sponsor of the Australian Sprintcar Grand Prix, solidifying its presence in that region. Furthermore, it provided support for the 1994 Australian Manufacturers' Championship.
Since June 2020, Valvoline has established a global partnership with La Liga club Sevilla FC, featuring its logo on the sleeves of match kits, thereby broadening its scope in international sports marketing.
Beginning in July 2023, Valvoline commenced sponsorship of the Aston Martin F1 team, extending its alliance with Aramco. This partnership is set to evolve into a lubricant supplier role starting with the 2026 season, coinciding with the integration of Honda engines. Moreover, from 2025 onwards, Valvoline will provide lubricants to the Renault-backed BWT Alpine F1 Team, enhancing its influence within Formula One and reinforcing its position in the high-performance lubricant sector.