Gas is only getting more expensive, so why shouldn't we expect a little added value bonus when we pull in to fill up at the local gas mart? Google is announcing today that in addition to $4/gallon gas, some stations will also be offering free directions via Google Maps to local landmarks, hotels, restaurants and hospitals. The service is made possible by special pumps that produced by Gilbarco Veeder-Root that are hooked up to the internet. They display Google Maps on a color screen embedded in the pump that will help wayward motorists find their way around. Unfortunately, users will initially only be able to select destinations within the aforementioned categories that have been specifically selected by the gas station's owner, but Gilbarco hopes to add the functionality of inputing specific addresses soon. Bonus: there will be no ads pasted all over the maps. Retailers hope to earn back the income instead by including an "In-Store Offers" buttons that lead users to a coupon page. Free maps and three Snickers bars for a buck? We're in!
[Source: BloggingStocks]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
_Jon @ Nov 7th 2007 2:40PM
Great, lost peeps taking even more time at the pump...
Rob @ Nov 7th 2007 2:54PM
Exactly. We don't need something to take even LONGER at the filling pump. People take their sweet time as it is!
zach @ Nov 7th 2007 2:59PM
that may be true, but it's an interesting idea though.
cowboy bob @ Nov 8th 2007 7:23AM
This is one of those ideas that some jacka*s thought of, without ever thinking about the results. We already have the problems of people trying to come into the same fill station lane from both directions because the fill door is not specific to only one side of the car. Now we will have people clogging up the pump with map requests. There will be shootings at the pump. I can picture a line of irate people jocking to get gas around some airhead looking for directions to Dunkin Doughnuts.
ZK @ Nov 7th 2007 3:02PM
Can't work in Jersey since they don't allow self serve. Which is awesome and their gas is still cheaper than neighboring states.
A.N.E. @ Nov 7th 2007 3:05PM
Great. More dillydallying at the pump. :(
tankd0g @ Nov 7th 2007 3:09PM
A GPS is like $99 now, or the price of one Hummer H2 fill-up.
mark_welby @ Nov 7th 2007 3:20PM
There's a convenience chain called Sheetz here in the east that'll let you order food right at the pump. Kind of ridiculous if you ask me, but we live in an age where can order up your fast food right at a checkout counter.
Alex @ Nov 7th 2007 3:21PM
someone needs to make a portable GPS system based on Google maps.
...wait...
PATENT PENDING!
DS @ Nov 7th 2007 4:22PM
....wait...
IPHONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanh T. @ Nov 8th 2007 9:28AM
Very interesting article...digital terminals with Google maps at the pumps or perhaps, in stores at least...interesting nostalgic marketing approach...
heehe, time management skills at the gas pumps these days...my, goodness.