DETROIT -- General Motors is expanding the capability of its in-vehicle Marketplace app to include paying for fuel.
The automaker on Wednesday said it has partnered with Shell to launch the automotive industry's first "in-dash fuel payment system."
The feature is being piloted in roughly 1 million Chevrolet vehicles at select Shell stations in the Detroit, Seattle and Houston metropolitan areas. A nationwide rollout to more than 14,000 stations is scheduled to occur this summer.
GM, through OnStar, plans to expand the feature to more than 4 million vehicles across GM's brands by the end of the year through a remote update to the vehicle's infotainment system, much like updating a cellphone app.
To use the feature, drivers press the Shell icon within the Marketplace app and select their preferred station location. After a few steps, a code will be generated that allows the user to activate a desired pump and start fueling. Payment is then automatically charged through its Fuel Rewards savings.
GM launched Marketplace late last year as an in-vehicle e-commerce app that allows drivers to order and pay for goods from the likes of Dunkin' Donuts or, say, reserve a table at TGI Fridays. It also offers deals at local restaurants and merchants such as 7-Eleven.
It is available on 2017 and 2018 model-year vehicles equipped with Wi-Fi hot spots and compatible infotainment systems.
Unlike many applications, Marketplace was designed to work while people are driving, which drew criticism from some safety advocates.
Marketplace is part of GM's ongoing strategy to move into more service-based business areas, which includes expanding the availability on its OnStar system and in-vehicle connectivity.
