Amazon Prime members in the United States can now get their purchases delivered direct to their car boots in the latest innovation from the world’s biggest retailer.
The Amazon Key In-Car service is currently available in 37 different US cities, but only for owners of newer Volvo and GM vehicles, which are fitted with the latest connectivity services.
Members can link their car to their Amazon account and from there the delivery person approaches the car, puts the parcel in the car and then secures it, all without the need for a key.
“Everything is securely encrypted between the two services,” said Rohit Shrivastava, Amazon Key’s general manager.
Atif Rafiq, chief digital officer at Volvo Cars, said: “Receiving a package securely and reliably in your car, without you having to be there, is something we think many people will appreciate.
“This mix of car and commerce is starting the next wave of innovation and we intend to be at the forefront.”
In-car delivery services have been available in Europe for the past three years, with Volvo at the forefront of the technology. Amazon trialled a pilot partnership with DHL and Audi, delivering to a limited number of their Prime customers in Munich.
The innovation is seen as the obvious alternative to the traditional problem of having to wait at your home address to receive deliveries and could increase Amazon’s share of the market even further.