Aral becomes PAYBACK partner

As of May 2 at Aral service stations: Collect points for filling up, shopping and car washes – Aral joins Germany’s largest bonus program – already 30 million cards in circulation As of May 2, 2006, Aral offers the Payback bonus program at its 2,500 service stations in Germany. The number one gas station company has now signed the contract with Loyalty Partner, the operator of Payback, Germany’s largest customer loyalty program. “The two market leaders’ partnership creates many benefits for Aral customers and Payback cardholders,” says Aral Chairman Walter Clements. With bonus points for filling up, car washing as well as shop and bistro purchases, Aral fills a gap in the Payback program. The extensive Aral service station network further strengthens the most popular bonus program in Germany. In the future, cardholders can reach a high point level and get their bonuses more quickly. With their new partner Aral, Payback reduces its point redemption levels. Cardholders earn a bonus at Aral when they reach just 200 points – and they can take their bonus with them directly from the gas station. Together with the currently 17 partners from various sectors, Aral and Payback offer customers many opportunities to collect additional Payback points and choose from a wide selection of bonuses and services. With around 30 million cards in circulation, Payback is already in third place in German wallets, behind health insurance and bank cards. Millions of Aral customers will further boost the bonus program from May. For two liters of fuel there is one Payback point, and in the Aral Stores, Markets and SuperWash facilities, each euro spent is rewarded with one point. “With the Payback card, we are gaining a further key, unique selling proposition which will further strengthen our leading position in the highly competitive German service station market,“ says Walter Clements. Loyalty Partner Managing Director Alexander Rittweger adds, “Aral is one of the strongest brands in Germany, and therefore fits perfectly into the Payback partner group. Each one of us benefits from the strengths of the others. Our members can collect points and earn bonuses more quickly with our new partner Aral. In this way, the alliance creates considerable growth potential for Payback.