China’s burgeoning motor industry has taken one step closer to crazy after it was revealed that Ford are offering motorists the opportunity to drive away their cars from a vending machine!
The huge 42 car capacity vending machine, is cat-themed (??!!?) and offers prospective buyers the chance to test-drive Ford cars before buying. Drivers can choose from 10 different models, including the Mondeo, the Explorer and even an imported Mustang.
Unlike traditional test-drives which normally seeing you returning to the forecourt within an hour, the Ford car vending machine allows those lucky enough to keep the car for three days. Chinese citizens with a Tmall shopping profile can select from the cars and will also be offered exclusive discounts based on their shopping preferences.
The vending machine is in the Chinese city of Guangzhou, but has been so popular that Alibaba (China’s self-styled Amazon) is planning to extend the scheme across China to bigger cities such as Beijing and Hangzhou. To get involved Chinese drivers only need to sign-up to Alibaba’s Tmall app, take a selfie and the vending machine will then select their brand-new Ford.
Ford has signed a long-term partnership to sell vehicles through Tmall, a deal which will extend their range with the online retailer already selling cars online through their website and mobile app.
The US manufacturer is not the first to sell cars from their website, Hyundai, Daimler and Volvo have all been offering cars for sale online in recent years.
CarSupermarket.com can’t promise you a cat-themed vending machine, but you can order online and we will deliver from a choice of 2,000 cars to your door.