Not content to stop at slipping packages inside customers’ front doors, Amazon.com Inc on Tuesday started a new program to deliver packages to its members’ parked cars.
The world’s largest online retailer is rolling the program out in 37 U.S. cities for customers with newer compatible vehicles and plans to expand the service. All that is required to have packages delivered to a car is downloading an app from Amazon and linking it to the vehicle’s so-called connected car service, such as General Motors Co’s (GM.N) OnStar system or Volvo AG’s (VOLVb.ST) On Call service. (Details: www.amazon.com/keyincar)
The in-car delivery effort is part of Amazon’s drive to leave packages where they cannot be easily stolen. Since 2011, Amazon has offered secure lockers for urban customers.
The in-car service builds on an effort Amazon launched last fall called Amazon Key. That system uses a $220 combination of an internet-connected door lock and camera to allow Amazon delivery drivers to place packages inside the homes of members of Amazon Prime. By contrast, the in-car delivery service is free for Prime members. It will be offered in San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Nashville, Milwaukee, Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C. and other areas.
