Mountain View (CA) - Search giant Google will soon be powering full-color screens at thousands of gas stations around the country, to help motorists with driving directions.

The deal also includes Gilbarco Veeder-Root, a gas retail product company, which will create the specially designed pumps to include an Internet connection and a proprietary version of Google Maps.

Users will be able to use the built-in touch screen to find landmarks, hotels, hospitals, and other areas of interest as selected by the operators of each gas station.

After the user has selected a destination, on-screen directions will appear and it will also print out the same page directly from the gas pump.



The store owners will also be able to use this space to advertise their own programs or special offers inside the convenience store.  

Atypical from Google's normal revenue strategy, the only money it receives is a cut of every gas pump that is sold.  The pump manufacturer says it is appealing to gas stations because of its innovation and ability to bring customers back.  "We think the service will create more customer loyalty for retailers," said a company spokesperson in an AP story.

Station owners will also be able to curb their cost by allowing their vendors, like Coke or Penzoil, to pay for coupon and advertising options on the screen.

Approximately 3,500 gas stations are part of the initial test launch, according to Gilbarco Veeder-Root.  That number will expand based on the preliminary success of the flagship units.

For now

Nov 07, 2007 11:15     

For now it's only a cut of each pump sold. We need to queue the imperial march song from startwars for google as they continue their quest to control the world.
Action Jackson report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Dunno..

Nov 07, 2007 11:26     

Not sure if this is a good idea. This might create more wait time at the pumps.
hguy report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Prices

Nov 07, 2007 14:39     

You know what happens when it cost companies money to provide a service? Prices go up. Which means that they will offset their losses by charging us more. Worth it? At $3.00 per gallon, I don't think so. Add google's cut and we're looking at $3.25 - $3.50 - $4.00. Just watch the prices and see.
disappointed report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Re: Dunno

Nov 07, 2007 15:01     

Nothing waits more than someone washing their car with the free windshield washer next to the gas pumps.
eeto report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Re: Prices

Nov 07, 2007 16:28     

I disagree. As was mentioned, Google only receives a cut from the original cost, which will probably not be too much higher than the cost for a normal pump. Plus the amount they make from advertising will offset the extra cost and probably make them money.
Joe report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

re:dunno

Nov 07, 2007 22:22     

it already takes more than a minute to pump gas, so it doesnt really take that long to search directions while the gas is being pumped..asumming the person is not retarded
tard report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Surprised they don't have standalone versions...

Nov 07, 2007 22:29     

Think about it: free public GPS Kiosks set up in downtown areas of cities, giving directions and recommendations for tourists. Google pays to put 'em up, then sells ad space on the screen itself. Could also be useful at bus stops and subway/L stations
al report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

just another scam to get your money

Nov 26, 2007 21:58     

disappointed (from above) is correct. The costs of the business are passed to the consumer... Always! Though the article does not say how much the unit costs or the costs of maintaining it. An upgrade might be rather cheap comparitively. And new stations would get them for sure. On the other hand, if the costs are high then maybe we may need to go to stations without the devices. Those gas stations should have the cheaper gas. Either way, gas prices are going to continue getting higher until we no longer need gas.

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