Ford Teams up with Alibaba to Unveil Car Vending Machine in China

Ford has teamed up with the Chinese e-commerce retailer Alibaba Group to unveil a car vending machine in the city of Guangzhou in China.

Customers could use the giant vending machine to see the Ford model of their choice, take it for a test drive and even to complete the purchase with Alibaba’s Tmall app. The five-storey building, which is unstaffed can accommodate as many as 42 cars.

In order to use the vending machine, users need to select a time for pick-up and use the Tmall app to snap a selfie. Alibaba will use this photo later to verify their identities at the vending machine. The vehicles are then delivered for a test drive. Buyers who are interested in an immediate purchase can put down a deposit electronically through the Tmall app.

Buyers can choose from a wide range of models including the have several choices, including the Ford Explorer SUV and the Mustang. Purchase can be completed without any human intervention in less than 10 minutes.

The vending machine has been open to the public from April 23 and buyers have the option of taking a vehicle for a three-day test drive before they commit to any purchase.