Auto Trader has unveiled its car vending machine in London, offering consumers the chance to buy a new car via contactless payment on their phone.
The vending machine, installed at London’s Spitalfields Market, features a Renault Zoe with a pre-haggled price. The car dispenser has been installed to illustrate the company’s transparent price offering. Visitors to the vending machine can make purchases of up to £21,000.
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A team of six engineers spent three months designing and building the system, which features a custom-made point of sale system and key release function, alongside an integrated payment and door release mechanic.
An Auto Trader study of 2,000 British motorists found that 92% admitted they were bad at haggling when it comes to buying a car. In addition, 89% of respondents said they find haggling embarrassing and uncomfortable.
Haggling on prices (41%) ranked first on the list of anxieties when buying a new car, according to the survey. Hidden costs (38%) was the second main concern for car buyers, followed by the fear of making the wrong decision (28%) and having to wait a long time to receive a car after buying it (25%).
Nearly 70% of those surveyed believe that if cars were sold online, pricing would have to be clearer and more consistent.
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By GlobalDataA spokesperson for Auto Trader said: “Buying a brand-new car is an exciting experience, but it can often be tarnished by anxiety around haggling and knowing whether you’re looking at the right price.
“So today we’re showcasing a real-life version on what can be found on Auto Trader; brand new cars at transparent pre-haggled prices that you can drive away today. The only difference is that this Renault Zoe can be purchased at the touch of a card, testing London car buyers’ appetite for electric cars as well as a more instant purchasing future.”
