Google have landed a deal with Gilbarco Veeder-Root, a manufacturer of gas pumps which include a touch screen and internet connection, to install Google Maps in a number of gas pumps to be released later this year.

The new pumps will allow users to search for local business listings, print directions and even coupons straight from the pump. The high tech pumps will start being installed around December.

From the Gilbarco Veeder-Root press release:

“Consumers can view maps on the pump’s screen and locate their desired destinations. They can also search Google’s local business listings by category (restaurant, hospital, gift shop, etc.) to find the nearest choices.

Once a destination is selected, consumers can also print the driving directions at the pump. Easy-to-read instructions are printed on the receipt printer, making it convenient to take them with them in the car.”

In my opinion, convenient services such as this will be what drives a more mainstream adoption of local search. If these types of applications expand, we could even see similar “search kiosks” integrated into common appliances or even at local shopping malls.

Businesses that stand up and recognize the power of local search now will be the ones who are rewarded in the long run.

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in our blog comments.

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