1 minute read
Automated self-service in Germany
On July 10, BP Benzin und Petroleum AG opened the first fully automated self-service filling station in the Federal Republic at Hamburg-Neuwiedenthal. All the facilities at the station are designed for self-service-including equipment for car care and washing, sales of accessories and refuelling-thus making it possible to dispense entirely with attendants.
Advertisement
The installation was specially planned to cope with conditions in the satellite town ofNeuwiedenthal, where the number of inhabitants will increase from the present figure of I 0,000 to 15,000 when building is completed. Detailed questionnaires carried out in the area in which the station's potential customers live indicate that extensive self-service facilities of this nature with price advantages for refuelling, washing, car care and the purchase of accessories are what the custc:imers want. BP's five gasoline qualities are dispensed with a considerable price reduction by means of two automatic refuelling units capable of accepting coins and notes, which will be supplemented by a third unit in due course. Water and air are provided free. Use of one of the six washing and maintenance positions in the car bay costs DM 0.50 per time unit of 15 minutes on weekdays and I 0 minutes at weekends. Motorists using the bays are provided with vacuum cleaners, suction equipment for removing motor oil and warm water at no extra cost. Coin-operated automats are available to supply washing agents and car care items, motor oils, car accessories and articles for every day use as well as hot and cold drinks. Two automatic units provide small change for five, two and one mark coins.
With the exception of the car bay, the self-service station is open around the clock. The installation is a test model developed by BP for specific market conditions. The results of the experiment will provide the BP group with important information for planning and operating its filling stations.
77
