The next time you have an Amazon package delivered, will it be to your car?
The online retailer is teaming up with General Motors and Volvo to start in-car package delivery for more than 7 million vehicle owners, potentially foiling so-called "porch pirates," those thieves who target home package deliveries. If you're an Amazon Prime member with an active GM OnStar or Volvo On Call account, the service _ currently available to 37 U.S. cities and surrounding areas, including Detroit _ is no extra charge.
Amazon Key In-Car Delivery, which launches Tuesday, requires a 2015 model year or newer Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac or newer Volvo. Customers download an Amazon Key App and link their Amazon and connected car service accounts, according to a news release.
"Customers receive a notification via the Amazon Key App when the delivery is on its way and after the delivery is completed and the vehicle is relocked. Deliveries are made to a stationary car parked in a publicly accessible area," the release said.
Those locations could be the street in front of an apartment building, a parking lot at work or a driveway. Several shipping options are available.
Peter Larsen, vice president of Delivery Technology for Amazon, noted that the service could provide some peace of mind for Amazon's customers.
"Prime members now have another way to ensure their packages are safe and secure _ all for no additional cost," Larsen said.
Alan Batey, president of General Motors North America, noted that the service "is another example of how we provide customers with technologies that add value and enhance the ownership experience."
