Amazon Key In-Car Wants to Put Junk in Your Trunk

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Amazon has just announced its next step toward safe and secure package delivery via its Amazon Key services. Amazon Key In-Car has been launched in some 37 markets around the U.S. where the delivery driver will place packages inside your GM or Volvo vehicle.

Images courtesy Amazon

When I first read the press release I was a bit skeptical, and to be honest I still am. But new technologies will provide as much security surrounding this new service as possible. The catch is that there will still be prying eyes watching a package placed inside your vehicle. Why? Amazon requires your vehicle to be parked in a public space – no secure parking lots, no parking garages, etc. Your vehicle connected services will be utilized so you must have an active OnStar or Volvo On Call account in a vehicle with fairly new technology, one that has the ability to be unlocked/locked remotely. This requires a clear GPS signal and requires the vehicle to be parked outside a registered Amazon Key delivery location such as your home or work location.

Amazon Key has been placing packages inside homes for a short time in an effort to combat the porch thefts that dominate the headline news. Now packages up to 50 pounds can be left in your vehicle by a total stranger who has been verified through redundant security protocols. Amazon Key In-Car says the driver will attempt to place the package in your trunk first and then utilize the inside of your vehicle if that option does not work. On arrival, they verify delivery location and vehicle and signals are exchanged that lead to the unlocking of the vehicle for the package to be placed. Once delivery is verified the vehicle is then relocked, remotely. This process sounds similar to calling OnStar to unlock your vehicle because you locked the keys inside (again) and a process of verification is involved there as well.

At rollout, Amazon Key In-Car service is free for Amazon Prime customers. You will get a message that delivery of the package is within a 4-hour window as well as a message stating the delivery driver has arrived. The service is available for same day, two-day, and standard shipping options. Amazon states it completed successful trial runs here as well as has already been using this service in limited markets overseas with no problems and they even offer the “Amazon Key Happiness Guarantee.” More information can be found here.

Perhaps this is the solution to worry-free package delivery, at least for now. I probably won’t be utilizing this service, but I can see its value for those less skeptical than myself. I really don’t want a stranger going through my vehicle (or my home for that matter) despite company reassurances of security measures. Next, I want to see how that drone is going to get that box into the trunk, I guess we will be leaving our sunroofs open, and it can just drop it right on in…

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About the Author

David Goodspeed
David was editor of AutoworldToday at Today Newspapers in the Dallas suburbs until its closing in 2009. He was also webmaster and photographer/videographer. He got started doing photography for the newspaper while working as a firefighter/paramedic in one of his towns, and began working for the newspaper group full-time in 1992. David entered automotive journalism in 1998 and became AutoworldToday editor in 2002. On the average, he drives some 100 new vehicles each year. He enjoys the great outdoors and as an avid fly fisherman, as is his spouse Tish. He especially enjoys nature photography and is inspired by the works of Ansel Adams.