Tech deal makes it easier to pay for fuel
Alibaba and SAIC-backed Internet car service provider Banma Network Technologies said they have linked with a dozen PetroChina gas stations in Shanghai in a deal to offer fast payment services and enhanced operation efficiency.
As part of the cooperation, drivers can pay from their in-car system for fuel when they're in the vicinity of participating PetroChina gas stations without having to leave their vehicle.
Sales, merchandise and inventory systems at PetroChina stations in the city have also been linked with Banma's car operation systems.
PetroChina now runs 164 fueling stations and 142 convenience stores in the city. Like many businesses, the company has been looking to technology to improve its offerings and services in the digital age.
Song Genjian, chief accountant at PetroChina Shanghai Marketing Co, said he's confident the new deal will be embraced by many young car owners and expanded to other parts of the city following personnel training.
Last year Banma raised 1.6 billion yuan (US$233 million) in its first financing round and its operating system offers in-car navigation, entertainment and voice interaction as well as other services such as car maintenance information.
It's currently deployed on SAIC's Roewe, MG and Maxus models as well as Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen vehicles.
Internet giants are working to expand their foothold in the auto industry and bring data and tech capabilities to offline service providers. Search giant Baidu is also beefing up efforts in artificial intelligence to enhance its autonomous driving solutions.
