07 Apr 2000

Texaco brings Entertainment to the Petrol Pump through Television

LONDON, UK April 7 - Texaco plans to add sound, movement and entertainment to the service station experience by being one of the first companies to sign a national agreement to introduce forecourt television to up to 250 sites by the end of 2000.

Texaco recently signed an agreement with Forecourt Television (FTV) that will lead the way in future forecourt advertising at its service stations.

Commencing in May, the programme will be introduced to select sites in London & the south-east before being rolled-out to the rest of the country.

Commenting on the new programme, Andrew Doukanaris, Marketing Co-ordinator said: "Texaco's aim is to make the forecourt experience as enjoyable as possible for the motorist. Texaco initially trialled forecourt television at six sites throughout the UK, to obtain a feel for how motorists would receive television advertising on the forecourt. This proved to be very successful among customers and advertisers and as a result we are pleased to be extending forecourt television to up to 250 sites this year.

"Texaco is always looking at new and exciting ways to add to the motorists' visit to our service stations. We anticipate that forecourt television will bring new life to the petrol filling experience," said Doukanaris.

"The introduction of forecourt television gives advertisers a new means of reaching the motorist. It takes television advertisements out of the home and onto the forecourt which is a new and exciting way to advertise."

Texaco will also use forecourt television as a means of promoting its own services including Global Club Card, Texaco Account Card, car wash facilities and other company-wide services.

The system uses digital satellite technology to beam the programme to giant 52" screens placed near the forecourt shop entry to enable motorists filling their cars with fuel to view advertisements. Hi-fi quality Bose speakers will deliver sound to every pump. The satellite delivery enables total flexibility to change the program daily and tailor it to each individual location.

The installation of sensor-activated technology will enable Texaco to control the volume and prevent noise pollution on the forecourt. The speaker at each pump is activated by movement on the forecourt and, for the benefit of the customer, switch on during arrival to a level of controlled ambience.

Chief Executive of Forecourt Television, Alan Bryson, said “This agreement with Texaco will bring advertisers a powerful new way of extending the use of their TV commercial outside the home. Forecourt television will be up and running in 300 sites in London and the Southeast, reaching 11million people a month by September this year.

"Television on the forecourt brings advertisers a highly effective new way of reaching a truly captive audience, and at the same time relieving the boredom of filling a tank with petrol while standing at the pump,” said Bryson.

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