Amazon is taking convenience to the next level with its new service that allows consumers to have packages delivered to their cars on demand.
The e-commerce company announced that Amazon Key, its service that allows in-home delivery and keyless guest access, can now give consumers the option to receive deliveries inside their vehicles. Prime members with compatible Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC and Volvo cars are eligible to use Amazon Key In-Car, which was created to provide convenient in-car delivery to vehicles parked in publicly accessible areas, including at homes and workplaces.
Amazon is rolling out the service in 37 cities and surrounding areas in the U.S., with more locations to be set in the future. Prime members can use the service for free. It enables millions of items sold on Amazon.com to be delivered on demand and works with Amazon’s various shipping options, including same day, two day and standard shipping.
First, consumers can download the Amazon Key App and link their Amazon account with their connected car service account. Once setup is finished and the delivery location is registered, consumers can buy products on Amazon.com and choose “In-Car” delivery at checkout. On delivery day, the app enables consumers to check if they’ve parked their vehicles within the range of the delivery location and provides them with notifications during the expected four-hour delivery window. Consumers can also check the app to find out when the delivery is on its way, if the package has been delivered and track when their car was unlocked and relocked in the app’s activity feed.
Even though there may be concerns over security, Amazon promises a confidential process for the in-car deliveries. Amazon said it uses multiple layers of verification to ensure security and each time a delivery driver requests access to a consumers’ vehicle, Amazon checks that the authorized driver is at the right location and has the right package with an encrypted authentication process. Once the process is completed, the car then unlocks. The Amazon Key App sends a notification to consumers after the delivery is completed and the vehicle is relocked. Additionally, no codes are keys are provided to delivery drivers for heightened security purposes.
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Consumers can check eligibility and sign up for Amazon Key In-Car on Amazon’s website. Amazon said the service is available to consumers with a compatible 2015 or newer Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC cars with active OnStar accounts, in addition to a 2015 or newer Volvo vehicle with an active Volvo On Call Account. Over time, Amazon will add more vehicle makes and models that can use its service.
“Simplification of experience for our consumers is central to Volvo’s digital vision. Receiving a package securely and reliably in your car, without you having to be there, is something we think many people will appreciate. Our partnership with Amazon now makes this possible for a majority of our customers in the US,” Atif Rafiq, Volvo Cars chief digital officer, said. “This intersection between transportation and commerce could very well be the next wave of innovation, and we intend to be at the forefront.”
Amazon’s in-car delivery service comes on the heels of other logistics milestones, as companies aim to make the last mile of the purchasing journey more convenient. In March, Walmart announced plans to add 500 new FedEx Office locations within select U.S. Walmart stores in the next two years, in an attempt to provide consumers with a more seamless experience by enabling them to save time and money. At these locations, consumers will be able to pack, ship and print labels for packages while they shop and they can also pick up their packages for a more convenient shopping trip.