Shell opens car washes in Germany
Shell is launching car wash projects outside petrol stations, starting with a pilot site in Gelsenkirchen, in cooperation with Augsburg-based WashTec AG.
Shell Deutschland GmbH is expanding its business model and is now investing in its own car washes, which are operated independently of traditional filling stations. The pilot plant in Gelsenkirchen at Daimler Strasse 26, opposite the well-known āSchalker Tankeā, marks the start of this new business segment. The official opening of the facility is planned for next month, with further locations in Hamburg and Dresden to follow. Shell is working with WashTec AG, one of the world’s leading suppliers of washing technologies, to provide the technical equipment.
Successful model from Canada
Shell is no newcomer to the car wash business: The company is already successfully operating similar projects in Canada. In Germany, the company is now venturing to establish car washes outside the petrol station network in order to meet the changing needs of mobility. āFor us, the filling station remains a central point of contact for mobility solutions. However, with the ramp-up of electromobility, the business is increasingly moving into the field. We are responding to this by creating a Shell Car Wash offering beyond the petrol station,ā explains Linda van Schaik, Head of Shell’s petrol station business in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Modern technology and special customer service
The Shell Car Wash Center in Gelsenkirchen offers state-of-the-art technology and an exceptional customer experience on an area of 5,300 mĀ². The facility can wash up to 100 cars per hour and delights customers with innovative lighting effects during the washing process. In addition to the car wash, there are four self-service wash bays and twelve vacuum cleaner bays that allow customers to clean their vehicles themselves. To highlight the location, Gelsenkirchen artist Beni Veltum has designed a 60 mĀ² exterior wall. Customers also benefit from a convenient service: In addition to cash payment, modern payment methods such as NFC, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted.
Plans for the future
Following the opening of the first location in Gelsenkirchen, Shell is planning to launch another pilot facility in Hamburg on VolksparkstraĆe this year. With this expansion and complementary services such as charging stations and store offers, Shell wants to set itself apart from the competition and meet the growing needs of electromobility.
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