DETROIT -- General Motors is expanding its in-dash fuel payment service to millions of vehicles and thousands of fuel stations nationwide.
The feature is now available through the company's Marketplace e-commerce app on more than 2.5 million Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles and about 14,000 Shell and ExxonMobil stations throughout the U.S. Those numbers are expected to grow to more than 4 million vehicles and more than 22,000 stations by year end.
The expansion follows GM's launch of a three-city pilot of the service on more than 1 million vehicles in April -- roughly four months after launching its in-vehicle Marketplace e-commerce app on 2017 and newer vehicles that have the company's newest infotainment systems.
To use the feature, drivers press the Shell or ExxonMobil icons in the Marketplace app and select their preferred station location. After a few steps, a code is generated for Shell customers that lets the user activate a desired pump and start fueling. ExxonMobil customers do not require the user to enter codes. Payment is automatically charged through the stations' rewards programs.
GM is currently conducting a Marketplace user focus group, specifically on the fueling process, to "get qualitative and quantitative feedback on which method people prefer," according to a spokesman.
GM launched Marketplace late last year as an in-vehicle e-commerce app that lets drivers order and pay for goods from the likes of Dunkin' Donuts or, say, reserve a table at TGI Fridays. It also offers deals at restaurants and merchants such as 7-Eleven.
It is available on 2017 and newer vehicles that have 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 strategy to move into more service-based business areas, which includes expanding the availability on its OnStar telematics system and in-vehicle connectivity.
