As mobile technology and broadband speeds have improved over the last few years many of us have ditched taking to the high street, instead favouring shopping online, in the comfort of our own home.
Indeed, the number of people online shopping has rocketed of late and courier companies have lapped it up, with online shopping sales to increase by 16.2% on 2014’s figures to an estimated total of £52.25bn according to a study conducted by RetailMeNot and the Centre for Retail Research.
There’s just one flaw. A lot of the time our purchases come while we’re at work.
Some are fortunate and can have their goods delivered to their work but not everyone has that luxury.
Audi has stepped forward to try and offer a solution to this delivery conundrum that many of us face.
As reported by the BBC, Audi are to team up with Amazon to offer an alternative, to Audi drivers.
The project, which is only going to be piloted in Munich for now, will give Audi owners the option to use their car as the delivery destination instead of their home or workplace.
The BBC explains, in theory, how it’ll work:
‘Using Audi's in-car communications system, Connect, DHL delivery drivers would track a customer's vehicle over a specified period of time and then use a digital access code to unlock the boot, the car maker said. This code would then expire as soon as the boot was shut.’
This is certainly an exciting project but we’re not quite sure how comfortable people will be allowing strangers access to their Audis when they’re not present.
‘This is certainly one to keep an eye on and see how this pilot pans out. You never know, it could roll out to a city near you soon. Or you could find another manufacturer follow suit.
If you fancy the potential to have your online shopping delivered right to your car, why not check out the wide selection of Audis we currently have for sale?
Other online services in the motor industry
Ford Way back in 2010 Ford was the first car manufacturer to sell its cars over the internet. They sell new and used cars via their website and deliver them to your door. It seems like a good idea but not many car manufacturers have followed suit in the last 15 years. According to a report by Accenture 80% of drivers in eight countries use some form of digital technology to research before they buy, could selling cars online be the way forward?
DVLA The DVLA has removed the paper part of the driving licence to enable online checking services, known as Share Driving Licence. Launched in private beta in March 2015, the service will provide a free digital alternative to the driving licence counterpart when that is abolished on 8th June 2015.
The View Vehicle Record (VVR) for fleet schemes was launched in public beta in March 2015. This online service allows users registered on the DVLA’s fleet scheme to access information on their vehicles by logging in online any time of the day.
Arnold Clark In February we launched our online live chat feature. Using Contact At Once! Software allows us to chat with customers online and answer any questions from mobile devices and desktop computers.
Book servicing online Back in 2013 we launched our online service booking facility making it easier for you to book your car in for a service or MOT at any of our service centres.