February 3, 2003 - ExxonMobil will open its first unstaffed petrol station in The Netherlands. After positive experiences in other European countries, it was decided to start also here with Esso Express, the name of this type of petrol station. For the time being, the number of new Esso Express outlets is limited to 10 test sites. If the test meets expectations, more stations can be built.

In Belgium, Esso Express is already a success. There are 20 of them now, while the number will increase to 30 this year. The success of this concept can be attributed to the combination of low prices with the easiness of paying at the pump. A possible disadvantage connected with the absence of staff - a sense of lower security, especially at night - has been dealt with by the placement of cameras and bright lights.

ExxonMobil doesn't intend to start new Esso Express sites everywhere where a traditional Esso service station with shop can be found. Whether there is room for an unstaffed station depends on local market circumstances. Sometimes, consumers prefer the lower prices of unstaffed stations, at other sites they choose for the comfort of a shop with the right assortment that is open in the evening or even at night. In The Netherlands, ExxonMobil operates two of these shop concepts: firstly AH to go, a joint venture with the large grocery chain Albert Heijn, and secondly Esso's Snack & Shop formula.

In Belgium and Luxembourg ExxonMobil will introduce a brand new type of shop at manned Esso stations: On the run. This is a new international concept, developed by ExxonMobil.