American automotive manufacturer Ford Motor Company has teamed up with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba to launch a ‘car vending machine’ in Guangzhou.
The staffless, five-story car dispenser is located in Baiyun District and contains 42 Ford vehicles, including brand staples like the Mustang and Explorer SUV.
Referred to as the Super Test-Drive Center, according to Engadget, the facility offers prospective Ford buyers (and those who just want to cruise around in a Mustang for a few days) the chance to get hands-on with their vehicle of interest.
According to South China Morning Post, Tmall users with good credit scores can purchase a Ford car or SUV from the machine, without any human assistance, in less than 10 minutes.
“Once a Ford vehicle is chosen, consumers snap a selfie to ensure they are the only person who can take the car, put down a deposit electronically and schedule a pickup time, all from within the app,” stated Gu Wanguo, general manager of vehicles at Tmall Auto, according to SCMP.
Automobiles withdrawn from the machine can be test-driven for three days before the car’s renter will have to commit to purchasing it. If the driver is not impressed with their selection, they are able to withdraw another car.
The Super Test-Drive Center is open from now until April 23. Future Ford vending machines are currently being planned for Beijing and Hangzhou, according to numerous media reports.
[Images via South China Morning Post]
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