Ford and Alibaba launch car vending machine in China
Ford and Chinese tech giant Alibaba have partnered to launch a car vending machine, called the Super Test Drive Center, in Guangzhou, China. The multi-floor vending machine is a modern-looking building that houses dozens of Ford vehicles and revolves until users find the car they are looking for. Alibaba is planning to launch other such vehicle storehouses in more cities across China.
Users can take any car on a three-day test drive
Using a mobile app called Tmall, users can just select the car they want to buy or try out. They have the option of taking it on a three-day test drive and then deciding if they want to buy it or try out a different one. The test rides are limited to five per month.
Alibaba's data will let potential buyers be offered personalized deals
The multi-storey facility is a product of collaboration between Ford and Alibaba in 2016. Alibaba will provide the car vending machine with data on potential buyers, allowing the service to customize the experience accordingly. It will provide discounts and incentives based on Alibaba's deep understanding of shoppers, which will depend on the extent to which the buyers are involved in the Alibaba ecosystem.
Ford to develop 15 hybrid car models by 2025
Ford has also partnered with Alibaba to develop 15 hybrid car models by 2025 in China. Notably, the concept of storing cars in such mechanical facilities first started in 1905. The system nearly eliminates the possibilities of theft and damage and allows for storing more cars in less space. A US-based start-up called Carvana also operates similar car vending machines in the country.
