October 2 2003 - Today, Esso opened its second unstaffed petrol station in Arnhem-Presikhaaf (The Netherlands). This station is part of a series of special Esso sales outlets to be built this autumn. Esso Express - a name that is familiar but at the same time new. For the time being, there will be a trial run with ten stations. If, as Esso expects, this formula appeals to the consumers, the Dutch Esso Express network will be further expanded.

Esso Express will generally be the cheapest petrol station in the neighborhood. Esso's unstaffed formula also stands for simplicity: a maximum of three types of fuel - Euro 95, Euro 98 and diesel - will be sold at the stations. All three fuels will be available at each pump island. Payment can be made easily using a bank card with pin code or a special fuel card such as the Esso Card, Multi Tank Card or  Travel Card.

Thanks to a reliable security system with detection equipment, cameras, improved lighting and intercoms, customers will also feel safe at an unstaffed Esso station. In addition, the station will be cleaned thoroughly each day.

The name Esso Express was a conscious choice because here too Esso offers the same quality of fuels as at its manned stations, while at the same time customers get the speedy (Express) service they demand.

Naturally, Esso expects this formula to be a big hit with consumers. Its confidence in Esso Express is based above all on the success rate in other countries such as France and Belgium, where Express has been an established concept on the petrol market for some years now.

It is not Esso's intention, though, to switch completely to unstaffed stations. On the contrary, for the greater part its network will remain manned. Which concept will be used where depends on the local situation. With this approach, Esso can fulfill customer needs and preferences per location.

Other locations in the Netherlands where Esso Express stations will open soon include Heerlen, Velserbroek, Amstelveen and Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. The first unstaffed Esso station opened in September in Roermond.