The Czech Republic

At the end of 2008, Benzina a.s. managed a network of 334 premium and economy fuel stations. Last year, 107 fuel stations met the highest requirements of the Benzina Plus premium brand, offering a broad variety of services and non-fuel products. Meanwhile, 227 Benzina brand stations belonged to the economy segment. 325 stations functioned under the CODO formula (Company Owned Dealer Operated), and 9 - DOFO formula (Dealer Owned Franchise Operated).

In 2008, the economy stations rebranding process was completed, and 2009 will be the final phase of the same process in the premium segment.

In 2008, demand for premium fuels continued the upward trend. Benzina a.s. launched premium VERVA 100 fuel in 2007, and in 2008, responding to increasing market demand, it offered premium VERVA Diesel.

Benzina a.s. focused its activities on raising standards in the premium segment through intensive development of its fuel and non-fuel offer. Thanks to the measures taken, revenue from non-fuel sales went up by 15%. Another thing worth mentioning are joint ventures with owners of strong market brands from the catering sector. In 2007, Benzina a.s. started cooperation with Autogrill company, and the cooperation continued in 2008 also. A major success was inevitably the initiation of cooperation with the global McDonald’s network, which opened two restaurants at Benzina motorway fuel stations in Osice.

Benzina a.s. – fuel sales structure in 2007–2008 (%)