OTI Africa and BP Southern Africa expand FuelMaster network in South Africa

Johannesburg, 17 Oct 2000

OTI, a pioneer in contactless smart-card technologies, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, OTI Africa (Pty) Ltd has signed a three year agreement with BP Southern Africa (BP) to co-operate in the marketing and support of FuelMaster technology to the fleet and private motorist markets. FuelMaster is BP`s chosen brand name for OTI`s Gasoline Management System (GMS) in the African market.

During the currency of the agreement BP intends to expand its network of FuelMaster equipped service stations which implement OTI`s GMS products from approximately 400 today to around 500, creating an extensive network throughout South Africa.

The agreement, signed by OTI Africa, combines the marketing strength of BP and the contactless expertise of OTI. "We have been very pleased with OTI`s GMS product and hope to complete our network expansion by the end of 2001 to complement the aggressive marketing programme which we have recently embarked upon together with OTI Africa," says Bill Burridge, Marketing Technology Manager for BP Southern Africa. "In our view, contactless smart-card-based vehicle and driver ID systems are the refuelling and payment mechanisms of the future and we wish to remain at the forefront of this revolution," he added.

Pursuant to the agreement, OTI Africa will provide encoding, vehicle installation, driver training, maintenance, repair, quality control, customer care, technical support and development services. The agreement stipulates compensation to OTI Africa for these services on the basis of transaction fees relating to fuel volumes purchased through the FuelMaster system.

"We are very pleased to expand our collaboration with BP. The GMS system offers its customers unrivalled security and flexibility, " says Charlotte Hambly-Nuss, Managing Director of OTI Africa. "This agreement aligns with OTI`s global strategy of providing comprehensive support and involvement in multiple stages of projects."

BP and OTI Africa have recently been awarded high profile tenders by municipal authorities such as the South Peninsula Municipality in the Western Cape and the Cape Town Electricity Department. During the first six months of 2000, OTI Africa made significant headway increasing FuelMaster sales to the fleet market, selling over 6000 units.

OTI

Established in 1990 as a smart card developer, OTI (On Track Innovations) has since expanded into developing numerous applications such as mass transit, parking, gas management systems, loyalty schemes, ID and secure campuses. OTI has established regional offices in Africa, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the US to market and support its products. The company was awarded the prestigious ESCAT Award for the "Most Innovative Smart Card Accomplishment of the Year" for both 1999 and 1997.

OTI Africa, a subsidiary of OTI Limited, is responsible for the distribution, marketing, installation and maintenance of OTI`s products and technology in the African market. OTI Africa was recently selected as the technology provider to InfoAfrica for the Infinity Loyalty programme.