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andmore energy efficient. Among its recent
improvements are new lighting solutions that
reduce electricity consumption.
Pit-stop logic
Customers are always interested in the origin of the
products and services they buy, but where they stop
to refuel ultimately depends on where they happen
to be when it’s time for a top-up and the customer
loyalty scheme to which they belong.
“The decisions people make in their everyday
lives are usually quite rational. People are less keen
to drive to a particular service station a little further
away in order to buy a certain product or get a special
price than is commonly assumed. After choosing
where to refuel, the next important thing for the
customer is trusting that the products on sale are
of the highest quality,” she adds.
“In the end, it is the people who need the break
more than the car. Today’s engines are more ener-
gy-efficient, andmodern cars are able to cover more
miles with fewer refuelling stops. Meanwhile, the
sales volumes of fuel products are gradually falling
— this is a common trend that can be seen across
the market.”
Diesel on the grow
Vehmala-Viksten predicts diesel fuels will remain
popular for years to come.
“Diesel is the fuel that heavy vehicles run on, and
diesel cars are very popular among people who drive
a lot. I believe diesel will be around for a long time.”
Important developments are set to take place in the
near future with regard to the rawmaterials in diesel
fuels.
“Today, we have more andmore cars running on
alternative sources of energy instead of the tradi-
tional fossil-based fuels. We need to provide services
and fuel for the drivers of those cars, too,” she adds.
ABC’s network comprises 437 stations, 136 of
which are service stations. The rest are self-service
refuelling points.
“Our sourcing company
is constantly working
to improve the quality
and environmental
performance of our
fuel products.”
Tiina Vehmala-Viksten