Diebold to deploy ATMs across Beijing fuel stations

Diebold and Sinopec developed an initial plan to deploy ATMs in select Sinopec fuel stations in the Beijing metropolitan area beginning in September 2007. Sinopec is China's largest oil refining and petrochemical company and is an official sponsor for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Financial institutions like China Merchants Bank have shown a strong interest to align with Sinopec and deploy and expand their off-premises ATM delivery channels at about a dozen fuel stations strategically positioned along two major thoroughfares in cities just outside Beijing. For example, the Beijing branch of China Merchants Bank has installed its first Diebold Opteva 562 ATM at Shi Li He gas station, located in one of the busiest commercial areas in Beijing. Other Sinopec stations in and around primary business districts in Beijing are also being targeted by other China banks.

Sinopec's Beijing branch plans to remodel its 268 fuel stations in the Beijing area before the 2008 Olympics. The renovated stations will provide additional value-added services, such as convenience stores and automated car washes. Quick service restaurant drive-through lanes will be established at some of the larger stations.

"It is a win-win proposition for all parties involved," said Daniel Hu, Diebold's vice president and managing director, North Asia and China. "With its secure and well- established network in the Beijing area, Sinopec is strengthening its overall competitive advantage in the marketplace by providing more value-added services through this network remodeling initiative. And because Sinopec owns nearly 30,000 fuel stations throughout China, it is also an excellent opportunity for banks to leverage this huge network, increase revenue and expand consumer touch points via high quality, around-the-clock ATM services."