08 November 2007

Google to give directions at petrol pumps

Under a partnership due to be announced today, internet giant Google is set to provide drivers with directions at petrol pumps, the Associated Press reports.

The deal with fuel company Gilbarco Veeder-Root will see thousands of petrol pumps around the US dispensing the mapping service from early December this year.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root will integrate an internet connection into its pumps, allowing motorists to view maps on a small colour screen.

Drivers will also be able to scroll through categories to locate landmarks, eateries, hospitals and hotels within the local area that have been selected by the petrol station owner.

After finding the required information, drivers will be able to print out directions.

Lucy Sackett, a spokeswomen for Gilbarco Veeder-Root, stated: "We think the service will create more customer loyalty for retailers."

According to Karen Roter Davis, a principal business development manager for Google, this new service is attractive to the search engine provider because it wants to make its services as widely available and convenient as possible.

She added that the service, which "will be sort of a Googley, more stealthy way of getting directions", may have particular appeal for motorists who are too embarrassed or proud to stop and ask other people for directions.

Initially, the maps will be available at approximately 3,500 petrol pumps, a figure that is set to rise in accordance with retailer demand.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root is headquartered in North Carolina and has operations across the world.

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