Pumping gas with Google

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.