Valvoline announced today it has purchased the outstanding 50 percent interest in its VCA Solutions joint venture from its former joint venture partner. VCA Solutions is a distributor of top-tier automotive batteries and battery testing equipment. The purchase was finalized, effective May 1.
Today, nearly all of the 290 million vehicles on U.S. roads have lead-acid batteries*. By acquiring VCA Solutions, Valvoline says it is now uniquely positioned to help Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC) locations, Valvoline Express Care stores and installers meet the needs of consumers who come to automotive service centers for preventive maintenance services beyond a traditional oil change.
“Batteries play a critical role in vehicle reliability both in vehicles today and in the future,” said Jamal Muashsher, president, Global Products. “Automotive installers, including VIOC service centers, have a continuous need to service consumers’ vehicles beyond oil changes. The acquisition of VCA Solutions adds to our robust offering of preventive maintenance products and solutions designed to meet our customers’ needs.”
VCA Solutions was created in 2019 through an exclusive partnership between Valvoline and Club Assist, a leading global supplier of automotive lead-acid and AGM batteries. Today, nearly 1,300 VIOC company-operated and franchise-owned service center locations use VCA for their battery solutions. Prior to the acquisition, Valvoline had 50 percent ownership of VCA. Moving forward, it will oversee full strategic direction and operations.
“VCA Solutions will continue to support and grow the superior standard of Valvoline products and offerings,” says Chris Eckert, general manager, head of VCA Business. “We will operate at the same high-level of service as we did before. The VCA Solutions team is thrilled to fully join Valvoline, a business that is aligned with the quality-focused culture we pride ourselves on.”
The acquisition enables new efficiencies and automotive solutions for installers, Valvoline Retail Services company-owned, franchise-owned and independently operated service centers, while growing the product portfolio for hybrid and electric vehicles in the future. Further, Valvoline customers will now have expanded access to top-tier vehicle maintenance services, including battery purchase, maintenance, and testing.
“VCA has delivered added customer value and business expansion with their high-touch battery solution for the Valvoline service center ecosystem,” continues Muashsher. “With this business as part of our offering, it enables us to service more customers now and into the electrified future.”
Learn more about how Valvoline is preparing customers, installers, and franchisees for the future of mobility.
*Waste360.com, 2022.
