Google at the gas pump - CNN.com
SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- Lost drivers in the United States soon will be able to Google for help at the pump.Drivers at 3,500 U.S. gas stations soon will be able to use Google maps at the pump.
As part of a partnership to be announced Wednesday, the online search leader will dispense driving directions at thousands of gasoline pumps across the country beginning early next month.
The pumps, made by Gilbarco Veeder-Root, include an Internet connection and will display Google's mapping service in color on a small screen.
Motorists will be able to scroll through several categories to find local landmarks, hotels, restaurants and hospitals selected by the gas station's owner. After the driver selects a destination, the pump will print out directions.
Eventually, Gilbarco Veeder-Root hopes to enable motorists to type in a specific address and get directions.
"We think the service will create more customer loyalty for retailers," said Gilbarco Veeder-Root spokeswoman Lucy Sackett.
Greensboro, North Carolina-based Gilbarco Veeder-Root will initially offer the Google service in about 3,500 gas pumps and expand based on retailer demand.
Don't MissUnlike most of Google's services, this one will not include ads bringing the company income. But participating retailers will be able to make extra money from other merchants that offer coupons on the service.
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