Ford Looks to ‘Auto Vending Machine’ in China During Talks with Tmall
Ford Motor Company in China is in talks with Alibaba’s Tmall that could see itmay soon be selling cars through Tmall and an “Automotive Vending Machine” concept.
The “Automotive Vending Machine” is a multi-storey parking garage that partly resembles a giant vending machine which allows consumer to use their phones to browse through the cars and choose to either test drive or buy a vehicle.
Once they’ve made their choice, the vehicle is delivered to them on the ground floor.
According to the Detroit News, the US automaker has signed a three-year agreement signed with Alibaba Group to expand its footprint in China, following a visit to Alibaba headquarters by Ford CEO Jim Hackett and executive chairman Bill Ford Jr.
Just last month Ford inked a $756 million partnership with Anhui Zotye Automobile Co to build electric vehicles, and more recently Hackett and Ford announced plans to bring 50 new vehicles to market in China by 2025 – including five new models in China.
This plays well with Alibaba’s efforts to “redefine” the retail experience.
Their first priority is to come up with new ways for people to buy, maintain and own vehicles using the internet, computers or other technology.