Contactless car purchasing hits London streets

Customers are able to buy a Renault Zoe on the spot at Britain’s first contactless car vending machine. Situated at Spitalfields Market, London, the machine enables motorists to purchase a new car for set price.

The installation has been created by Auto Trader to illustrate its unique pre-haggled prices and transparent price offering.

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 installation features a custom-made point of sale system and key release function alongside an integrated payment and door release mechanic.

It includes a brand-new Renault Zoe by Lookers Motor Group, 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.

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 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.’