SEATTLE -- Amazon now has the ability to place deliveries directly inside customer vehicles—even if the customer is not present.
The launch expands the service of Amazon Key, which allows Amazon delivery workers to enter customers' homes for package delivery, and also allows for keyless entry and guest access for users. Amazon Key In-Car expands the service so Amazon delivery workers can open customers’ vehicles and place the packages inside, treating cars as mobile Amazon lockers.
In-car delivery is available at no extra cost for Prime members using the Amazon Key app who also own Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac and Volvo automobiles. The service is available in 37 cities and surrounding communities in the United States. As long as the vehicle is parked in a publicly accessible area, customers can use Amazon’s in-car delivery.
After setup is complete and the car’s delivery location has been registered, customers can select the “In-Car” delivery option at checkout whenever they shop on Amazon. On the scheduled day of the delivery, the Amazon Key app lets customers check if they are parked within range of the delivery locations. Also, the app provides notifications regarding the four-hour delivery period, and customers can track when their car was unlocked and locked again using the app’s activity feed. The service is compatible with same-day, two-day or standard shipping.
“Since launching Amazon Key last November, we’ve safely delivered everything from cameras to collectible coins inside the home. Customers have also told us they love features like keyless guest access and being able to monitor their front door from anywhere with the Amazon Key App,” said Peter Larsen, vice president of delivery technology for Amazon. “In-car delivery gives customers that same peace of mind and allows them to take the Amazon experience with them. And, with no additional hardware or devices required, customers can start ordering in-car delivery today.”
Amazon separately said Tuesday that it was expanding availability of two-hour delivery from Whole Foods Market stores to San Diego, Denver and Sacramento markets through its Prime Now service. Prime members receive two-hour delivery for free and ultra-fast delivery within one hour for $7.99 on orders of $35 or more.
Amazon launched the Prime Now delivery service in Austin, Texas; Dallas; Cincinnati; and Virginia Beach, Va., markets in February and last month added San Francisco and Atlanta.
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