Amazon, the internet shopping company, has signed a deal with German automaker Audi, to deliver items directly to that brand's car.
The news of this unusual auto-tech arrangement was reported by Autoblog on Friday. Amazon has come up with many ways to deliver packages over the past few years to its premium Prime customers, ranging from very large boxes to drones.
Being introduced on a very limited trial basis, Amazon is offering Audi-owning Prime customers the option to have packages delivered to their vehicle. That's a boon if you're waiting on a pricey parcel, but can't stay at home to sign for it. The first phase of the program will begin next month in the Munich area.
The program requires customers to give an approximate location of their vehicle during the delivery period. DHL delivery drivers – the only shipping service partnering with Amazon for Audi deliveries – will be granted one-time access to trunks, with an access code tied into the delivery.
"We are working to offer Prime members a delivery location that is always available and convenient: the trunk of their car," Michael Pasch, director of Amazon Prime for the European Union, said in a Google Translated statement. "This innovation makes shopping at Amazon even easier and more flexible. It gives customers another way to receive their orders."
It seems that currently only web-enabled Audi's, thus meaning new, are going to get this special trial service. It's unlikely whether this plan is likely to go much further currently than Audi owners but Amazon is probably attempting to roll out similar plans when cars become further connected.
