After the success of Google maps,
Google has teamed up with Gilbarco Veeder-Root to bring Google maps to
petrol stations across America. Internet connected touch screens will
be installed on pumps and motorist will be able to get directions and
print out a copy whilst filling their tanks.
After the success of Google maps,
Google has teamed up with Gilbarco Veeder-Root to bring Google maps to
petrol stations across America. Internet connected touch screens will
be installed on pumps and motorist will be able to get directions and
print out a copy whilst filling their tanks.
Gilbarco
Veeder-Root is a company providing fuel and retail management
services to Petrol stations and convenience stores in the US, this new
partnership and business step seems to be a good move by Google to a
get a little more exposure and publicity not that it necessarily needs
it. Note that Google will not be receiving any advertising revenue from
this.
Insiders see this new move as good profit opportunity, petrol stations
will increase their earnings from motorist that would stop to use the
map and purchase fuel, the company involved could also see this as a
good opportunity to increase volume sales of pumps and other services
they offfer.
As per Kirsten Paust, vice president of
global retail systems at Gilbarco Veeder-Root, "getting directions at
the pump is safer than using Internet-enabled devices from the driver's
seat and far more reliable than just asking a stranger (...) We believe
consumers will prefer convenience stores that deliver useful
information and ultimate convenience. Retailers who use these tools
will make themselves more valuable to consumers and gain the
competitive edge".
How useful would this service be for
the consumers? More and More people rely on satellite navigation
systems and previously printed maps from personal computers before
starting their journeys. Can Google maps touch screens really compete
against that?
Only time will tell. These
touch-screens are meant to go 'live' next month in the United States
ans there's yet no date or plan for a UK trial.
Anja Glauch is the co-founder and managing director of Tetridia Ltd. She began her career in Information Technology more than 11 years ago. She is leading the companies Online Marketing, Search Engine Marketing and Search Engine Optimisation activities.
