Buick Expands Connectivity, Makes Refueling as Easy as Pushing a Button

Buick is taking connectivity to a new level. Buick is now offering drivers the opportunity to pay for their fuel just by pushing a button on their infotainment screen. General Motors is partnering with ExxonMobil for the new payment system that will let drivers open their Marketplace app on their dash, push a button and refuel. All a Buick driver has to do is enter the pump number to start the transaction.

The Buick system is similar to one that Chevrolet unveiled with Shell earlier this year.

New Payment System Should Improve Security

The new payment system should make transactions safer because theoretically you don’t have to use credit cards or cash. There should be no opportunity for thieves to steal your credit card numbers or your wallet.

The plan is similar to the ExxonMobil Speedpass, but is even more convenient. The Marketplace App will also find and give you directions to the closest Exxon or Mobil gas station. There are 11,000 Exxon and Mobil gas stations in the U.S.

“Our goal with Marketplace is to help make everyday tasks as easy as possible for our customers so they can focus on enjoying time spent in their vehicles,” said Rick Ruskin, Marketplace Line of Business leader, Buick. “Bringing the ExxonMobil pay for fuel functionality right on the touchscreen of our vehicles is the latest advancement of this platform, allowing drivers to easily access Speedpass+ and securely pay for gas while inside their car.”

How the New Payment System Works

While ExxonMobil has been successful with the Speedpass, this service will embed the in-vehicle fuel payment option through the infotainment system. It will require fewer steps than other fuel payment features on the market. First you have to register your credit card with the Marketplace app. According to Buick, “To use the platform to pay at the pump, users will first press the ExxonMobil icon within Marketplace, which identifies the station location. The driver will be prompted to select the pump number and confirm their payment method. The pump will be activated and they can start fueling.”

Buick is known for being designed to make the drive easier and more convenient for owners. The Buick Enclave was designed to make life easier for parents driving children around, improving the in-vehicle experience. The in-dash payment option will make refueling incredibly convenient. It will ultimately save time for the busy driver who doesn’t want to have to use their credit card every time they buy gas.

I’m sure ExxonMobil loves the new partnership because it will make Buick owners who use the Marketplace app more likely to frequent ExxonMobil stations. The easier they make it, the more likely people are to use the service, even if the ExxonMobil isn’t always the lowest priced option. Convenience will typically be the deciding factor.

The Marketplace app will also give General Motors better insight into their customers' buying habits, whether they are using the app to buy coffee or gasoline, GM and Buick will be able to track it. Like all improvements, this technology may be debuting on Buicks, but if successful, it will eventually be available on other General Motors products.

To compare Buick amenities with other vehicles check out the NHTSA website SaferCar.gov.