in response to social distancing measures due to the coronavirus, chinese auto company geely is giving new-car buyers the option to have their keys flown to them via drone. the aim is to limit human contact upon delivery.

 

 

 

geely, which is the parent company of volvo and lotus, is using drones to deliver the keys to customers after they order their new vehicles online. the program was launched on february 10, while the wuhan region of china was under a strict government ordered lock down to control the spread of the coronavirus. it features an online car marketplace where customers can shop for cars and have them delivered to their home or workplace.

 

according to geely, the new delivery option has been successful so far, serving over 10,000 consumers since its inception. all confirmed orders and confirmed leads are sent to local dealers, who then process orders and begin the home delivery process.

chinese carmaker is delivering keys by drone so people can avoid physical contact

image courtesy of geely

 

 

part of the delivery is having the cars disinfected when they arrive at the customer’s house. geely states that all of its vehicles are disinfected through ‘ionisation’ prior to delivery.

 

last month, it announced that its icon electric SUV will ship with an n95-rated in-car filtration system in a bid to protect drivers from the coronavirus. the air filtration system is supposedly able to block bacteria and viruses at the level of n95 respirators – masks rated to block at least 95% of particles that measure 0.3 microns or larger with a proper fit.

 

project info

 

company: geely