NEWS | Industry Updates


Contactless car vending machine launched in London


What’s described as Britain’s first contactless car vending machine has launched in London, offering motorists a haggle-free way to purchase a brand-new car. The installation in London’s Spitalfields Market has been created by


Auto Trader, the digital marketplace for new and used cars, to illustrate its pre-haggled prices. A new study by the brand, of 2,000 British motorists, found over


nine in 10 Brits (92%) admitted they are bad at haggling when it comes to buying a car and 89% said they find haggling embarrassing and uncomfortable. In fact, haggling on prices (41%) topped their list of anxieties about


buying a new car, along with hidden costs (39%), worrying about making the wrong decision (28%) and having to wait a long time to receive a car after buying it (25%). The study revealed that four in five (79%) Brits think our continental


counterparts are far better at haggling and of those who attempt to haggle here in the UK, over a third (38%) admit they are not confident in their own ability. On the back of this research, Auto Trader has introduced a new


contactless car vending machine, offering consumers a haggle-free purchasing option.


The bespoke contactless


vending machine system allows purchases of up to £21,000, showcasing how consumers can “buy and go” without having to worry about any haggling on the price, by finding a car and dealer through Auto Trader. A team of six engineers


spent three months designing and building the contactless car dispenser. A custom- made point of sale system and key release function was created, alongside an integrated payment and door release mechanic.


The installation features a brand-new Renault, which is one of the


most searched for electric cars in the country, according to search data from Auto Trader. In just the past month, there have been nearly half a million searches for electric vehicles (463,277) on Auto Trader. The vehicle comes with a price of £16,000 (RRP of £22,470) that


has already been agreed with the dealer, meaning drivers don’t need to worry about trying to get the best price themselves. The popularity of the Renault Zoe shows drivers ever-increasing


concerns around the environment. There has been a 60% rise in electric car registrations over the past year. Three-quarters of Brits (74%) would consider driving an electric car today, with nearly four in five (78%) now admitting to being concerned about their carbon footprint when it comes to buying a new car. A total of 85% of Brits also find that the stigma around buying and


owning an electric car has now gone, with over half of Brits (54%) admitting they would buy an electric car next time they buy a new car. Additionally, when it comes to pollution and emissions in London, well over seven in 10 (77%) Brits believe only electric and hybrid cars should be used in London. A 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 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.”


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