Fueling Talker is a new forecourt audio advertising from DirectCast Network that ...

Fueling Talker is a new forecourt audio advertising from DirectCast Network that is to undergo a comprehensive UK market test in November prior to a proposed national roll-out beginning in January 2002. Designed to be maintenance-free, the audio units can be fitted to ZVA unleaded and diesel nozzles in a matter of minutes. Forecourt operators participating in the trail will be given free 10-second introductory and 10-second exit messages, which can be changed every four weeks. Market research company Mori is to conduct the month-long survey of around 1,000 drivers visiting one of nine forecourt sites equipped with Fueling Talker, located in London and the Home Counties. Launched in Florida in early 2000, Fueling Talker is currently being installed in forecourts across the US under a states-wide franchise programme. DirectCast reports that US forecourt operators taking the advertising medium onboard have ‘experienced increases in sales of advertised products with the C-store of up to 400%.’ The company has spent the past 12 months ‘repackaging’ the US product in order to meet stringent UK and European safety requirements. It is hoped that 3,000 sites will sign up for the product by the end of 2002.