EUSKIRCHEN, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany (Deutsche Welle Journal), March 13, 2008:
Right across Germany, banks are closing small unprofitable branches. That can create big problems, especially in rural areas, where it may be a long way to the next bank. But one bank is showing how it is possible to make money - with a very special sort of branch. The Bank on Wheels.
The Sparkasse in rural Euskirchen now provides banking services in the remotest villages of the Eifel hills - once a week. What looks like a camper van is in fact a fully functioning bank. At a cost of 600,000 euros, the bank-on-wheels is a good investment.
The mobile bank is a blessing for its many elderly clients who can check their accounts, transfer money or draw cash, all at no extra cost. The people of the Eifel like their mobile bank and value the service it provides.
© 2008 Deutsche Welle
